Piastri offers 'stressful year' outlook on Norris title fight

Oscar Piastri has recognised it would be a "pretty stressful year" if he was worried about being 10 points behind team-mate Lando Norris in the F1 drivers' title fight. 

The Australian driver enters this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix in fourth in the standings, following his impressive victory in China. 

It marked the perfect response to his unfortunate mistake at his home race in the season-opener, where he slid off the circuit in wet conditions. 

Piastri would have found himself in the championship lead had he not spun in Australia when he looked on course to finish the race in second place.

Despite the Melbourne setback, it has been a strong start to 2025 for the McLaren driver, who has demonstrated consistent and fast pace. 

He was untouchable at the Shanghai International Circuit and is a former Japanese GP podium finisher, with his recent form placing him as one of the favourites for victory in Suzuka.

Going into the weekend, the 23-year-old is not concerned over Norris' narrow advantage in the title fight and is confident that his performances will eat into his team-mate's lead.

"You never want to give any advantage away, whether it's lap time, points, you never want to give it away if you don't have to," Piastri told media including RacingNews365. 

"So, of course, I want to try and reverse that gap that we have, but with 22 races to go, it would be a pretty stressful year if you're worried about that gap already. 

"So for me, it's just trying to make sure I execute every weekend to the best that I can. And I feel like the first two weekends of the year have been good examples of that. 

"If we do that, then the points will naturally take care of itself. That's all."