For the second consecutive F1 race weekend, Oscar Piastri emerged victorious in a direct confrontation with Max Verstappen, culminating in a race win.
Building on his strategy in Saudi Arabia, where he aggressively maneuvered Verstappen off track leading to a penalty, Piastri again successfully overtook the Red Bull driver in Miami. This performance secured his fourth win of the season and expanded his championship lead over Lando Norris to 16 points.
Norris had an opportunity to close the gap to Piastri on Sunday but lost positions on the initial lap while attempting to pass pole-sitter Verstappen and subsequently fell behind him later in the race.This sequence of events prompts the question of whether Piastri exhibits a more astute approach when racing opponents, particularly Verstappen, compared to his teammate Norris – a trait that could be crucial in this year`s championship chase.
According to Martin Brundle, Oscar`s racecraft is strong, giving him an advantage over Norris in this area.
Brundle added that while Norris might possess a slight pace advantage when everything aligns perfectly, Piastri consistently delivers, successfully executing overtakes, avoiding errors, and securing victories.
Piastri Learning How to Race Verstappen
The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix seemed to be a statement race from Piastri against Verstappen, as the McLaren driver expertly applied the regulations and employed a tactic that Verstappen himself might typically use.
Following controversial incidents between Verstappen and Norris during last year`s intense title battle, the F1 Driving Standards Guidelines were updated for the current season.
These revised rules effectively allow the driver on the inside line to force their competitor wide, provided they remain within track limits, thus removing the obligation to leave space on the outside.
Piastri executed this perfectly, creating a situation where Verstappen was compelled to either back out or cut the corner. He chose the latter and received a penalty.
Piastri commented, “I`m beginning to grasp the boundaries when racing Max. In Saudi, I executed the necessary actions to secure the race win for myself.”
Starting fourth in Miami, Piastri showed patience rather than immediate aggression. He gained a place when Norris went wide at Turn 2, quickly passed Antonelli, and then focused on finding a way past Verstappen for the lead.
Piastri spent several laps trailing Verstappen, who defended capably, before pressuring his rival into a mistake at the first corner on Lap 14.
Piastri stated that even though it took some time to pass, it was likely the most effective way to do so.
He added, “My experience watching and racing Max taught me that being on his outside is challenging, so I needed a different strategy. It felt inevitable that I would pass, but choosing the right moment was key.”
Norris`s Engagements with Verstappen
Norris gained insight into racing Verstappen during the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix, where they collided following a fierce battle for the lead.
Later that year, Norris received a penalty for a controversial off-track overtake on Verstappen at the United States Grand Prix.
The following week in Mexico City, Verstappen incurred two 10-second penalties for exceeding track limits and gaining an advantage against Norris, although this ultimately prevented Norris from winning.
Their recent encounter in Miami saw Verstappen legally push Norris wide despite a slide, permissible under the updated Driver Standards Guidelines (whereas a similar move might have resulted in a penalty last year).
Norris commented post-race, “If a space appears, I will take it. I won`t hesitate. I`m here to race.”
Like Piastri, Norris also spent numerous laps behind Verstappen before being allowed to pass.
The British driver felt Verstappen`s hard defense against the faster McLarens was “not very smart”.
However, it`s been questioned if Norris missed an opportunity by not simply settling into second place behind Verstappen after the initial corner.
F1 analysts Jenson Button and Anthony Davidson felt Norris was right to attempt the move given his superior traction. In contrast, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella suggested that “with hindsight it would have been potentially wiser for Lando to lift”.
It`s uncertain if Piastri would have acted differently, but as Norris noted, critics would likely find fault with his decision unless it resulted in success, regardless of the approach.
Norris lamented the difficult situation, stating, “If I don`t go for it, people complain. If I go for it, people complain. You can`t win.”
He added regarding racing Verstappen, “That`s how it is with Max – you either risk a crash or you don`t pass. You can only just about get ahead if you execute the move perfectly and position him just right. I wasn`t successful in that, and I paid the price.”
Is There a Difference in Approach Between Norris and Piastri?
The contrasting personalities and demeanours of Piastri (calm) and Norris (more emotional and open) outside the cockpit might lead some to perceive differences in their racing styles.
Both drivers possess exceptional speed. The true test will be how they compete directly against each other on track. However, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella asserts there is no fundamental difference in his drivers` racing.
Stella advised against overanalyzing specific situations, suggesting it often comes down to tiny margins in time or distance.
He concluded, “Regarding overtaking skill, precision, and determination, I perceive no difference between our two drivers.”
Marcus Prine