Piastri, who dominated the early part of the campaign with seven wins in 15 races, has seen his once commanding 104-point lead over Max Verstappen shrink to just 40 points after a string of strong performances by the Red Bull driver and a rough patch for McLaren.
Speaking to reporters in Mexico City on Thursday, the 23-year-old admitted the recent shift in momentum has added pressure but said his past title experiences have equipped him to handle it.
“He’s been very consistent in the last few weekends,” Piastri said of Verstappen. “But there’s no benefit worrying about that — the thing that’s going to help me win this championship is getting the most out of myself.”
Piastri has faced similar late-season battles before. In 2019, during the Renault Eurocup, he nearly lost a 40-point lead to rival Victor Martin before clinching the title in the final race. A year later in Formula 3, he came from behind to win the championship after briefly losing his lead to Logan Sargeant.
“There are some similarities,” Piastri reflected. “I think it’s a good thing I have evidence that I can pull it off. But just because I’ve done it before doesn’t mean it’s automatic this time.”
Verstappen Reacts to Red Bull Fine
Meanwhile, Verstappen downplayed controversy surrounding Red Bull’s €50,000 fine issued after a team member attempted to remove Lando Norris’ grid tape before last weekend’s United States Grand Prix.
Though the act did not violate any specific FIA rule, critics labeled it unsporting. Verstappen said the fine was understandable.
“If he was distracted or not, the right way was to stay out of it,” the Dutch driver said. “It’s quite clear, and I think it’s understandable that you get fined for that.”
Piastri took a neutral stance on the matter.
“They’re within their rights to do it,” he said. “I guess gamesmanship, but everyone will have their own opinion on whether it’s necessary or not.”
Ferrari Chase Ends Near a One-Year Mark
Elsewhere in the paddock, Ferrari are approaching a full year without a race win — their last coming when Carlos Sainz triumphed at the Mexican Grand Prix on October 27, 2024.
Teammate Charles Leclerc acknowledged the team’s struggles, noting that a repeat victory in Mexico appears unlikely.
“At the moment it doesn’t seem very likely that we are going to fight for the win,” Leclerc admitted. “But never say never.”
Leclerc has managed six podium finishes this season, including third place in Austin last weekend, while Lewis Hamilton, who joined Ferrari this year, has yet to reach the podium.
Ferrari currently sit third in the constructors’ standings, just three points ahead of Red Bull, in a championship already secured by McLaren.
“Last year was a very positive weekend for the team in Mexico,” Leclerc added. “But I feel like we’re further away this year. Until the end of the season, it’s going to be very tough to win races without something unusual happening.”
As the Formula 1 season enters its final stretch, Piastri’s composure — forged through earlier career battles — could prove vital in determining whether McLaren can convert its dominance into a long-awaited world championship.