** *Piastri's F1 Title Lead Shrinks—Team Orders and Bad Luck Let Norris and Verstappen Back In* ### **

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Oscar Piastri was the clear favorite for the 2025 F1 World Championship just months ago, but a string of setbacks has tightened the title race. The Australian led by 34 points over Lando Norris and 104 over Max Verstappen after the Dutch Grand Prix, but his advantage has shrunk to just 14 and 40 points, respectively, heading into the Mexico City Grand Prix.

**Monza Decisions Fuel Intra-Team Tension**

At the Italian Grand Prix, Piastri’s championship momentum stalled. McLaren asked him to sacrifice his qualifying position to give Norris a crucial tow, allowing the Brit to outqualify him. In the race, Norris surprisingly let Piastri pit first, but a slow stop handed the position back—only for McLaren to order Piastri to let Norris through.

"I mean, a slow pit stop is part of racing, so I don’t really get what’s changed here. But if you really want me to do it, then I’ll do it."

— *Oscar Piastri, post-Monza*

While Piastri publicly downplayed the situation, the Monza weekend also saw Verstappen and Red Bull return to winning form—beating both McLarens after a year of struggles at the track.

**Singapore Controversy Ignites Piastri’s Anger**

A month later in Singapore, another McLaren decision sparked frustration. After Norris aggressively passed Piastri with contact on Lap 1, the stewards took no action, and Piastri was forced to settle for fourth while Norris reached the podium.

"That’s not fair. If he has to avoid another car by crashing into his teammate, then that’s a pretty s*** job of avoiding."

— *Piastri, fuming over team radio*

Despite his calm demeanor outside the car, the incidents have piled pressure on the championship leader.

**Baku Disaster Deals Heavy Blow**

Things only worsened in Baku. Piastri locked up in qualifying and, after jumping the start, crashed out before completing a single lap—an uncharacteristic error that cost him vital points.

"Certainly not my finest moment," Piastri admitted to Sky Sports. "I just anticipated the start too much."

With Norris and Verstappen closing the gap, Piastri must regroup in Mexico City to reclaim momentum. Can he hold off his rivals, or will the recent setbacks derail his title charge? Watch the Mexico City GP live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend to find out.

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