Helmut Marko has voiced concerns about Oscar Piastri facing challenges as he looks to revive his World Championship campaign in Mexico City. In the last four Grand Prix weekends, both Lando Norris and Max Verstappen have performed better than the Australian driver.
During the first free practice session of the weekend, Piastri recorded the fourth-fastest time, trailing Charles Leclerc by four-tenths of a second in P1, with nine rookie drivers also on the track. However, in FP2, he slipped to 12th place, more than six-tenths slower than his teammate Norris.
Speaking to Sky Germany, Red Bull advisor Marko acknowledged Piastri’s struggles, stating that it appears he is encountering difficulties at the moment. Despite his strong performance earlier in the season with seven Grand Prix victories, Piastri’s form has faltered following a DNF in Baku.
In a disappointing showing at Austin, Piastri lacked pace compared to his competitors, finishing fifth in the Grand Prix after crashing out in the Sprint race alongside teammate Norris.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella addressed Piastri’s recent challenges, expressing confidence in the young driver’s ability to bounce back. Stella highlighted the team’s collective responsibility to improve performance and adapt to unique circuits like Austin, emphasizing Piastri’s rapid learning and development as a Formula 1 driver.
Reflecting on the United States Grand Prix incident, Stella noted that Piastri recognized areas for improvement and is committed to enhancing his driving skills for future races. Despite his relative youth in the sport, Piastri’s dedication and ability to quickly learn from mistakes have positioned him as a championship contender.
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