Oscar Piastri’s strong surge in the 2024 Formula 1 season, putting him at the forefront of the Oscar Piastri F1 championship battle, unexpectedly gave way to a late decline, dashing his hopes for the world title as the campaign drew to a close. Through victories in some of the year’s early and mid-season races, Piastri looked poised for glory, but a series of setbacks and rival recoveries saw his championship ambitions unravel.
Piastri Rises to the Top with Early-Season Success
Piastri’s momentum began with a memorable win at the Dutch Grand Prix, cementing his position as the points leader. Lando Norris, his McLaren team-mate, retired from second place, creating a sizable 34-point margin between them, and Max Verstappen, the Dutchman and reigning champion, fell even further behind by 104 points. Through accomplished drives and early consistency, Piastri showcased determination to rebound after a troublesome mistake in the rain-soaked Melbourne opener.
The McLaren driver’s form continued with a calm approach in China and a third-place effort in Japan. The highlight came as Piastri claimed three consecutive victories, beginning with Bahrain, where he achieved pole position, fastest lap, and the race win. In Jeddah, a tense duel meant Verstappen finished ahead only after passing off-track, then received a penalty that favored Piastri. Another assertive move on Red Bull in Miami gave Piastri a further grip on the championship.
Mid-Season Battles and Crucial Points
Success in Barcelona reinforced Piastri’s credentials to manage races from the front. In Montreal, he skillfully avoided an incident with Norris and used McLaren’s pace to his advantage, despite the car’s occasional struggles. As Norris’s own performance improved, Piastri still managed podium finishes, trailing Norris in Austria, Silverstone (where a post-race penalty affected standings), and Hungary. At the Belgian Grand Prix, Piastri reasserted himself with an aggressive pass on Norris, maintaining momentum in the title chase.
Turning Point: Collapse of the Championship Lead
With Norris’s misfortune in Zandvoort, Piastri’s advantage grew stronger, and his competitiveness earned widespread respect for composure and racing instincts. However, the season shifted pivotally at Monza, when team instructions and pitlane drama began to dent his dominance. Red Bull returned to winning form, while a disastrous Baku weekend—crashing in qualifying and the opening lap—marked the beginning of his decline. The points gap shrank quickly after disappointing outings in Austin and Mexico, eventually losing the top spot to Norris.
Piastri’s Struggles and the Title Slip Away
Amidst scrutiny, some suggested Piastri needed to adapt his driving style for circuits with less grip. In Brazil and Las Vegas, he seemed to rediscover some control, but external factors widened the gap in the Oscar Piastri F1 championship battle. Despite a spirited drive in Qatar, McLaren’s decision not to pit during a safety car period cost Piastri a potential victory. By the time the championship reached Abu Dhabi, Piastri’s title hopes were all but over, settling him as an outside contender rather than a favorite.
Outlook for Piastri and the Championship Battle
Oscar Piastri’s breakthrough season will stand out for his ability to challenge established names such as Max Verstappen and to push his McLaren team to new heights. Yet, the rapid reversal in the final stretch, compounded by strategic missteps and on-track incidents, leaves Piastri and McLaren contemplating what could have been. As the championship landscape shifts, attention will focus on whether Piastri can adjust and regroup for future campaigns amid fierce competition from rivals like Lando Norris, the experienced Fernando Alonso at Aston, and rising talents such as Gabriel Bortoleto. For now, the 2024 season serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the high-stakes world of Formula 1.
