Piastri issues McLaren rally cry as F1 title scrap resumes

Oscar Piastri has rallied his McLaren team, underlining the need to "consistently execute" over the final rounds of the 2024 F1 season.

Whilst the Australian is all but out of contention for the drivers' championship, his team-mate is second in the standings, trailing Max Verstappen by 52 points with six rounds to go.

The combination of Piastri and Lando Norris has, however, vaulted McLaren to the top of the constructors' fight. Having once lagged 115 points behind Red Bull - after the Miami Grand Prix - the Woking squad now leaders the reigning champions by 41 points.

With F1 set for a frenetic, season-ending six rounds in eight weeks, Piastri knows McLaren must now deliver on the momentum it built over the four grand prix coming out of the summer break.

Three wins in four over that span will breed confidence at the papaya team, but the 23-year-old has highlighted the task at hand.

“It’s great to be back racing after a short break," the two-time grand prix winner said. "It was good to have a few weeks to recharge but also work with my engineers to prepare for the next few races.

"We’ve built up some incredible momentum now, so it’s just about continuing to consistently execute good results from our side."

The trip to Austin provides a tough first test heading out the Autumn pause.

Verstappen has taken victory at the Circuit of the Americas on the past three occasions and Red Bull is delivering an update package the Milton Keynes team will be hoping can turn its season around.

Nevertheless, Piastri is optimistic heading into the Texas round, adding: “I’m looking forward to heading back out to Austin. It’s a really cool place to go to with awesome fans and great food. 

"The Sprint provides some good opportunities and we’re also carrying a Chrome livery which looks great. Let’s go and get another strong result for the team.”