Oscar Piastri Says He is Confident He Can Recover and Win F1 Drivers’ Title

Sao Paulo: Oscar Piastri responded to his skeptics on Thursday by emphasizing that he is confident he can recover his form this year and win the drivers’ world championship.

“I still have what it takes to win,” said the 24-year-old Australian, who lost the lead in the championship race for the first time in six months when McLaren teammate Lando Norris won the Mexico City Grand Prix last month.

Speaking at Interlagos ahead of this weekend’s potentially important Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Piastri, who has been beaten by Norris in the last five races, added: “People can think what they want to think, right?

“For me, I know I still have what it takes to win the championship. Yes, there have been some ups and downs along the way, but there have been ups and downs along the way for everyone at different points this year.

“I’m confident that I’ve learned a lot of useful things, especially from the last few weekends, and that I can perform at some of the peaks of success we’ve had this year.

“There are still a lot of rounds to go and I’m still confident I can win.”

Piastri was 34 points ahead of Norris at the start of September, but saw that advantage evaporate as four-time champion Red Bull’s Max Verstappen made a successful run to reduce his 104-point deficit to 36 points.

After three wins in the last six races, the Dutchman sits third and is producing a threatening performance as many paddock observers criticize Piastri’s dip in form.

“A complete collapse,” said 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve, who questioned Piastri’s ability to cope with the pressure of expectation.

Piastri, winless in five races since the Dutch Grand Prix, knows he must mount a strong response to revive Australia’s hopes of third place and first since Alan Jones in 1980.