Piastri: 'Everybody thought' Verstappen was out of the title battle

Oscar Piastri previously thought the title battle would be decided between Lando Norris and himself, but he is not completely surprised by Red Bull and Max Verstappen’s recent form.

After the United States Grand Prix, Verstappen now only trails the Australian driver by 40 points in the drivers' standings thanks to winning three out of the last five Grands Prix.

Piastri admitted that not many would have expected the Dutchman to be in the title fight at this point of the year.

He said: "I think probably yes, but I think probably everyone did [think that].

"I think the run of form that he's had since Monza has been a bit of a surprise. I think that, again, there were flashes of that kind of performance at certain points earlier in the season, but there were also some pretty big dips.

"So, to now be consistent, I think that has been a bit of a surprise. We know they've been still throwing a lot of things at their car trying to improve it.

"So in some ways it's not a huge surprise. But yeah, I think for everyone it's probably coming to the fight quicker than I expect," he explained.

Max Verstappen celebrating his victory - Photo: Race Pictures

Verstappen closing the gap is not on Piastri's mind

Despite Verstappen getting closer in the standings, Piastri focuses on himself.

He added: "No, I think he's been very consistent in the last few weekends and been strong as well, there's no denying that. But for me, there's no benefit for me in worrying about that or focusing on that.

"The thing that's going to help me win this championship is trying to get the most out of myself, the most out of the car, the most out of the team around me.

"Worrying about anyone else on the grid is not focusing on that. He’s there, he's in the fight, but ultimately that doesn't change how I'm going to approach my racing."

This weekend, a maximum of 25 points will be up for grabs at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

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