Following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, former Formula One driver Juan Pablo Montoya cautioned Oscar Piastri not to alter his championship mindset despite holding a significant lead. Montoya stressed the importance of Piastri maintaining the same approach that helped him reach the top of the drivers’ standings so far in the 2025 season.
The warning comes after Piastri endured his most challenging weekend of the season in Azerbaijan, where a poor qualifying session left him starting ninth, and a race-day jump start resulted in an early crash that ended his hopes of scoring points.
Pressure Builds After Piastri’s Setback at Azerbaijan GP
Piastri’s mistake at the Baku race unsettled many fans and analysts who began raising questions about his mental approach to the championship battle. Prior to the Italian Grand Prix, Montoya had already cautioned the 24-year-old Australian against easing off the pressure, even with a comfortable points advantage.
“I think Oscar is in a comfortable position, but he should not change his approach. I think if he changes his approach, he’s going to become vulnerable to Lando,” Montoya had said prior to the Italian GP. [via F1TV]
At Monza, Piastri finished behind his McLaren teammate Lando Norris, confirming the competitive intensity within the team. After Azerbaijan, Montoya reiterated his concerns about Piastri’s evolving mindset during this crucial phase of the championship fight.
“We’re starting to see a side of Oscar that nobody’s seen before. I don’t even think Oscar’s seen it before. He went to Monza and said: ‘Oh, I’m in a comfortable position but I’m not going to change my approach.'”
“And I actually said it in Monza, whether you like it or not, mentally, you are going to change your approach, because you’re going to start double-guessing yourself,” he reiterated.
Montoya explained that Piastri’s points buffer over Norris could either make the young driver complacent or force him into overextending on track, increasing the risk of mistakes like the one seen in Baku.
Oscar Piastri Responds to Criticism and Championship Status After Crash
Oscar Piastri addressed the situation following his exit in Azerbaijan, emphasizing that the championship remains unpredictable and far from decided. The Australian driver stressed he is concentrating on his own performance rather than his rivals’ moves, including those of teammate Norris.
“I’m not too concerned about that. I’m solely focused on myself and what I can do to improve. There’s still a long way to go, and if you have good or bad weekends, the championship is far from over.” [via Sky Sports]
When questioned about whether Max Verstappen could re-enter the title fight, Piastri maintained this focus on self-improvement, showing no sign of distraction from the actions of other contenders. His resolve underlines the mental strength required to manage the pressures of leading an intense battle for the 2025 drivers’ championship.
Team Dynamics and Upcoming Challenges in the 2025 Championship
With McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris locked in a tight rivalry, the remainder of the 2025 Formula One season promises heightened competition. The pressure on Piastri increases as he attempts to convert his lead into a championship victory while avoiding mental pitfalls that could destabilize his performance.
Juan Pablo Montoya’s observations highlight the delicate balance between confidence and complacency that championship leaders must manage. Piastri’s ability to maintain a consistent championship mindset, even after setbacks like the Azerbaijan GP, will likely determine his success in the closing stages of the title fight.
As the championship progresses, Piastri’s resilience, combined with the relentless challenge from Norris and potential interference from experienced drivers like Max Verstappen, will make every race crucial. The pressure cooker environment tests not just driving skill but the psychological endurance necessary to claim the Formula One crown.
