Oscar Piastri could force top F1 team to 'sacrifice' key driver as 'spoil the party' claim made

The Miami Grand Prix is upon us, and all the drivers will be hoping that on Sunday they can be standing upon the top of the podium, with one of the candidates who could challenge for this being Oscar Piastri.

While the Australian driver finished second on the podium in Japan behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli, he has struggled this season; however, it must be remembered there have only been three Grand Prixs to this point.

Piastri will be looking to put his poor start behind him, as in the opening race of the campaign in Melbourne he crashed his car before it even started, and then he failed to start the Chinese Grand Prix after an electrical issue forced both of them out.

McLaren

McLaren will be aiming to kickstart their season after the short break from racing due to there being no Grand Prix in the month of April this year, and this race in the United States may be the chance for the current Constructor Championship title holders to announce themselves on this campaign.

Mercedes have been the team to beat this year, with Ferrari being the closest challengers, but Juan Pablo Montoya has suggested that Piastri could be the one to challenge Antonelli or George Russell for the win this Sunday.

Speaking to AS Colombia, ex-Formula 1 driver Montoya suggested Piastri may put Mercedes in a ‘difficult situation’ and potentially force them to ‘sacrifice’ one of Russell or Antonelli to secure the win in this Miami Grand Prix.

Montoya said: “I think Mercedes will win. If anyone can be close there, it could be Piastri, and he could spoil the party, you know?

Former driver Juan Pablo Montoya the F1 Grand Prix of Italy (Getty Images)

“So, it puts Mercedes in a difficult situation because if the McLaren is fast, for example, or something like that, covering both of them or rather covering one, they have to sacrifice the other, and that’s where the problems arise again.

“So, it’s very important if you’re with Mercedes to be able to dominate this weekend here.”

The Colombian driver was a favourite for many F1 fans and was arguably one of the best to ever grace the sport and not win the World Championship.

Montoya drove for both Williams and McLaren in his time in F1, from 2001 to 2006, featuring in 94 races, winning seven and finishing on the podium on 30 occasions.

McLaren fans and the team will hope the Colombian is right in his prediction that Piastri could upset the Mercedes domination we have seen so far this season in Miami.