Oscar Piastri has emerged as a surprising challenger to Max Verstappen this year. Both McLaren drivers have given the Dutchman a run for his money, but it’s the Australian who leads the championship after eight Grand Prix. Moreover, he has won as many races as Lando Norris and Max Verstappen combined. Piastri has received praise in recent months for his ruthless driving style – a quality he also recognizes in his Red Bull rival.
Max Verstappen is known for his hard-hitting approach on the track, making it nearly impossible for his competitors to overtake him. BBC Sport recently asked Piastri how he deals with Verstappen’s driving style. “I knew he wouldn’t be easy to overtake,” responded the 24-year-old McLaren driver. “I’ve watched him race over the years and now I’m competing against him. Honestly, I think our approach is similar – I might be a bit less aggressive, but there are definitely similarities.”
“When Verstappen and I race against each other, we have the same approach,” Piastri added. “It’s very robust and ruthless; we both try – to some extent – to push the boundaries.” Both drivers have had a few run-ins this year. For instance, Verstappen’s overtaking move on Piastri in Imola is considered one of the Dutch champion’s finest. “I always try to be fair, but the line between good, hard racing and just crossing the line is very thin,” Piastri concluded. “It’s always difficult to find that balance. But I feel that we both have a lot of respect for each other. We know what to expect.”
