Oscar Piastri gets honest support from Valtteri Bottas as McLaren pressure grows late in season

Oscar Piastri is watching his 2025 Formula 1 title hopes fade as his lead over teammate Lando Norris has fully disappeared. Earlier in the season, Oscar Piastri was ahead by 34 points. But now, in November, he is 24 points behind after a tough run of races. This swing happened after the summer break, and it has placed the young Australian under heavy pressure during an important part of the season.

Lando Norris has been very strong since the break. Among his four consecutive podium finishes are major victories in Brazil and Mexico. His Mexico victory came with a substantial 30-second lead; his victory in Brazil came with a clear 10-second lead. On the other hand, Oscar Piastri hasn't stepped onto the podium since Monza, six races ago. Including Valtteri Bottas 's comments, this disparity has sparked several paddock talks.


Valtteri Bottas supports Oscar Piastri and says F1 can be “not a fair sport”
Valtteri Bottas spoke about Oscar Piastri’s situation this week and showed strong support. He told 7News Adelaide that he knew the feeling well from his time racing with Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes between 2017 and 2021.

Valtteri Bottas said, “I’ve been there. Been there, mate. It’s a tough sport. It’s not a fair sport. Sometimes you just deal with it. Oscar has so much time ahead of him. He has a great career ahead. Sometimes you need patience.”



Valtteri Bottas also talked to CODE Sports, saying he still hopes Oscar Piastri can win the 2025 title. He said, “I am rooting for him for the title. He still has a chance.”

Including the Qatar Grand Prix, which has a Sprint Race with eight bonus points, Oscar Piastri has three race weekends remaining to narrow the 24-point margin. Just 25 points behind Oscar Piastri, Max Verstappen is also battling for second in the championship.

Former Haas head Guenther Steiner also offered Oscar Piastri some harsh words. He suggested Oscar Piastri quit McLaren if he is unable to return better following this year.

Guenther Steiner said Oscar Piastri faced “mysterious problems” during the American races and had to change parts of his driving style.

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Steiner said Oscar Piastri must reset over the winter or think about switching teams.

The next race is the Las Vegas Grand Prix , where McLaren struggled in 2024. Oscar Piastri now needs very strong results in the final stretch of the season to stay alive in the title fight.