Oscar Piastri expressed confidence about overtaking Max Verstappen at the Miami Grand Prix, indicating it was merely a question of timing. On lap 14, he skillfully passed the four-time world champion and maintained his lead throughout the race.
In an interview on Nine’s Today, the 24-year-old driver reflected on the challenges he faced early in the race, stating, “I could tell that we were a lot quicker than him from pretty much the start." Piastri noted that it was crucial to choose his moment wisely as he approached the opportunity to overtake Verstappen.
The pivotal moment unfolded at the first corner, where Piastri had already been strategising several corners earlier. Despite Verstappen’s efforts to defend the inside line, Piastri’s patience paid off. He allowed Verstappen to cover the inside going into the hairpin turn, and as they exited the corner, the Dutch driver momentarily lost control and veered wide. This slip enabled Piastri to use the racing line to his advantage and secure the lead.
What set Piastri apart was his composure during this crucial manoeuvre. He recognised the importance of remaining calm, especially in high-pressure situations like racing against a seasoned competitor. He remarked, “I think some people like to be or need to be revved up more, other people need to be completely calm. I’ve kind of always found that I need to be more on the calm end of the spectrum."
As the season progresses, Piastri is currently leading the standings with a 16-point advantage, a significant feat for an Australian driver since Alan Jones last won the championship 45 years ago. However, Piastri remains focused on the immediate challenges, rather than the championship itself. He stated, “As much as it’s a cliché, it’s a cliché for a reason. I’m trying to just focus on the next race.”
Reflecting on his journey so far, Piastri enjoyed the team’s performance and his personal success, despite a minor setback in Melbourne. He looks forward to continuing this momentum, emphasising enjoyment over contemplation of the championship as the season progresses. As F1 takes a short break before heading to Imola for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Piastri is keen to maintain his winning streak and further establish his presence in the sport.