Helmut Marko has expressed concerns about Oscar Piastri’s performance as he faces challenges in reviving his World Championship bid in Mexico City. Over the past four Grand Prix events, both Lando Norris and Max Verstappen have consistently outperformed the Australian driver.
Piastri set the fourth-fastest time during the initial free practice session of the weekend, trailing Charles Leclerc by four-tenths of a second in P1, with nine rookie drivers on the track. However, in the second practice session (FP2), he dropped to 12th place, more than six-tenths slower than his teammate Norris, who is in contention for the title.
Marko, the Red Bull advisor, remarked to Sky Germany, “He was clearly behind Norris. It seems like he is encountering difficulties at the moment. However, it’s only Friday, and perhaps these issues can be resolved. First, we need to address our own challenges before focusing on the competition.”
While Piastri had a strong start to the season with seven Grand Prix victories, his form deteriorated after an unexpected retirement in Baku. His performance in Austin was particularly worrisome, as he struggled to match the pace of his competitors, finishing fifth in the Grand Prix and experiencing a crash in the Sprint race alongside Norris.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella discussed Piastri’s struggles, expressing confidence in the driver’s ability to bounce back. Stella highlighted the need for improvement across the team and emphasized the unique challenges posed by circuits like Austin.
Stella further analyzed Piastri’s performance at the United States Grand Prix, noting that the driver recognized areas for improvement and displayed a willingness to learn and adapt, despite his relative inexperience in Formula 1. Stella commended Piastri’s development and adaptability, attributing his championship lead to his ability to process feedback and enhance his skills.
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