Oscar Piastri Makes 'Strange' Comment After Losing F1 Title Lead to Lando Norris

Oscar Piastri made a 'strange' admission after losing the Formula 1 world championship lead to his McLaren teammate Lando Norris.

Piastri recovered from seventh on the grid to finish fifth at the Mexican Grand Prix, but he still surrendered the championship lead to race-winner Norris.

The Australian has led the standings for most of the season, but he has struggled in recent weeks and now trails Norris by a single point.

He has not finished on the podium since Monza at the start of September, and has made several uncharacteristic mistakes in both qualifying and races.

With four race weekends remaining, including two sprint races, there are still plenty of points available, but Piastri needs to rediscover his form quickly if he wants to keep his title hopes alive.

After the race in Mexico City, he was asked whether he had lost confidence in his driving ability.

Oscar Piastri. Image: Getty

Piastri told Sky Sports: "No, I think I've just had to drive very differently the last couple of weekends or I've not driven differently when I should have.

"And I think that's been a little bit strange to get my head around because I've been driving exactly the same as I have all year.

"It's just that these last couple of weekends, the car or the tyres or something has required quite a different way of driving, and I've just not really gone to that.

"Tried a few things, trying to change things up a bit today and once we analyse if it's effective or not, hopefully helps see some progress."

Reigning four-time world champion Max Verstappen also closed the gap in the title race and is now just 36 points back.

Oscar Piastri at the Mexican Grand Prix. Image: Getty

The Dutchman finished third in Mexico, but was denied a chance to battle Ferrari's Charles Leclerc on the final lap after a virtual safety car was deployed.

Meanwhile, Norris was comfortable out in front, crossing the line more than 30 seconds ahead of Leclerc.

However, Piastri was unable to find a way past the Haas of Ollie Bearman, who held on for an impressive fourth place, which is the best result of the young Briton's career.

Piastri has won seven races this season, but has not taken victory since Zandvoort in August.

The Australian continued: "The car's obviously not changed for a while now, so it's nothing to do with the car.

"I think given how the pace is differentiated for the last couple of races, clearly Lando's found it a bit easier to just dial into that and I haven't.

"So plenty of analysis to try and get further on top of that.

"But I think it's important to remember for the other 19 races the way I've been driving has been working pretty well.

"It's more about adding some tool to the toolbox rather than reinventing myself."