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Oscar Piastri seems relaxed about his current position as the leader of the Formula 1 championship, although many suspect that he is feeling intense pressure.
Oscar now has a 22-point lead over team-mate Lando Norris, after their crash in Canada saw Norris retire from the race. This has created various theories and speculations.
Although he did not manage to achieve victory, fourth place allowed him to further strengthen his advantage within the team from Woking as the only McLaren driver to finish the race.
This is only Piastri's third season in Formula 1, and his first time challenging for the title, but he seems content with a situation where many drivers in his place would feel more pressure.
Asked if he feels pressure, especially if it seems to him that this might be his only chance to win the title, Piastri told motorsport week that this is not the case and that he is actually enjoying the current situation.
“I don’t think I see it as my only chance,” said Piastri. “Of course, I don’t know what it’s going to be, but I don’t see the point in putting extra pressure on myself and thinking ‘now or never’.”
“I’m still very early in my career, and of course this is a great opportunity, but I’m just going to try to win as many races as I can. Hopefully that will eventually look good in the championship.”
“I think I’ve learned that through my junior career and my early years in Formula 1 – you need time away from Formula 1. Because otherwise it can get pretty exhausting very quickly, and that’s still exactly the same now.”
Piastri knows how to prepare
Piastri added that he has already found the best way to prepare for races and how to be in the best psychological state.
“Even though it’s a little different now because I’m fighting for the championship and stuff, I think I’ve already learned the lessons on how to function best and how to come to each race weekend fresh,” he explains.
“Honestly, I’m enjoying this position. It’s quite fun to try to win races and fight for the title. And right now, the pressure is no different.”
“I’m just trying to do my best on the track. The only difference is that now it means fighting for the win, whereas before I was fighting for the podium or points, like a couple of years ago.”
English (US) ·