Former Formula 1 driver Timo Glock believes that Oscar Piastri is beginning to show signs of uncertainty as the pressure in the title fight increases. According to the German, who was active in the premier class between 2007 and 2012, the Australian seems to be driving less freely than earlier this season. Piastri still leads the standings, but now also feels the hot breath of Lando Norris and reigning world champion Max Verstappen.
Oscar Piastri had a challenging weekend in Austin, where he dropped out early in the sprint race after contact with Lando Norris. The McLaren driver tried to outsmart his teammate from behind, but caused a pile-up in the process, which also affected Nico Hülkenberg. In the main race, the Australian lost ground again; he finished in fifth place, behind both Ferraris, while his title rivals were flagged first and second.
‘Piastri is uncertain’
Timo Glock sees the first cracks appearing in Piastri under the pressure of the title fight. “He is uncertain,” said Glock to the German branch of Sky Sports. “In his third year in Formula 1, he is now in a situation where the pressure is really increasing. The free, smooth driving from the beginning of the season is not so easy anymore.” According to Glock, Piastri is struggling to cope with the expectations now that Red Bull and Max Verstappen have regained their form. After three victories in the last four races, Verstappen has opened the hunt on McLaren – Piastri’s lead in the championship has shrunk to 40 points.
“The nervousness is alive within the entire McLaren team,” Glock continued. “The problem is that there are circuits where Mercedes suddenly is strong, or where Ferrari is competing. That costs points. And then you have Verstappen, who is too dominant to really put under pressure.” According to the German, McLaren needs to be careful that the internal rivalry between Piastri and Norris does not further disrupt the focus.”
