Helmut Marko has indicated that Oscar Piastri is facing challenges as he seeks to reinvigorate his World Championship quest in Mexico City. Over the last four Grand Prix weekends, both Lando Norris and Max Verstappen have surpassed the Australian driver.
During the first free practice session of the weekend, Piastri posted the fourth-quickest time but trailed Charles Leclerc by four-tenths of a second, with nine newcomers on the track. However, in the second practice session, he dropped to 12th place, more than six-tenths slower than his teammate Norris, who is also in contention for the title.
“He was notably behind Norris,” remarked Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko to Sky Germany. “It seems like he is encountering difficulties currently. However, it is only Friday, and there might be a chance to rectify that. Let’s first focus on resolving our own issues before assessing the competition.”
Piastri had been flawless for most of the season, clinching seven Grand Prix wins. Nevertheless, his performance suffered a setback after an unusual non-finish in Baku.
His showing in Austin raised concerns as he struggled to match the pace of his rivals, finishing fifth in the Grand Prix after a challenging weekend that included a crash in the Sprint race alongside teammate Norris.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella delved into Piastri’s challenges, expressing belief in the driver’s ability to bounce back. Stella highlighted areas for improvement not only for Piastri but also for the team as a whole, emphasizing the unique characteristics of circuits like Austin that require specific driving techniques.
Reflecting on the mishaps at the United States Grand Prix, Stella noted Piastri’s ability to learn from such experiences and improve swiftly, attributing his position as a championship leader to his adaptability and learning curve.
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