Piastri has questions after F1 Mexico GP: 'Must drive differently'

Oscar Piastri has admitted that he has had to drive his McLaren "very differently" amid a slump in his current form, finishing P5 at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The Australian has missed out on a podium finish in the last four races, resulting in his longest stretch wothout a trophy in 2025.

After a fifth place finish at the United States Grand Prix that saw his championship lead whitted down significantly by Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, another P5 sees the 24-year-old continues with his struggles towards the end of the season.

"I think I've just had to drive very differently the last couple of weekends, or I've not driven differently when I should have," Piastri explained to Sky Sports after the Grand Prix.

Oscar Piastri in action in Mexico City - Photo: Race Pictures

"I think that's been a little bit strange to get my head around, because I've been driving exactly the same as I have all year.

"It's just that it lasts a couple of weekends, the car or the tyres or something has required quite a different way of driving, and I've just not really gone to that.

"I've tried a few things with trying to change things up a bit today. Once we analyse if it's effective or not, that'll hopefully help see some progress."

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The Grand Prix at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez has seen a major shift in the title battle, with Norris' victory now seeing him jump to the top of the standings by a single point over Piastri.

It was a dominant weekend in Mexico for the Brit, seemingly finding a lot more joy in the papaya-coloured car compared to his teammate. However, Piastri was unsure whether the changes have been benefiting Norris.

"I mean, it's difficult to say. The car is obviously not changed for a while now, so it's nothing to do with the car, I think," continued the Australian.

Lando Norris won the Mexico City Grand Prix to take the championship lead - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

"Potentially, I think, given how the pace has differentiated the last couple of races, clearly Lando has found it a bit easier to just dial in for that, and I haven't.

"Plenty of analysis to try and get further on top of that. But I think it's important to remember that for the other 19 races, the way I've been driving has been working pretty well.

"So, it's more about adding some tools to the toolbox rather than reinventing myself."

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