Oscar Piastri emerges as a real pretender to the title, giving Australia the hope of having its first world formula 1 champion since Alan Jones in 1980. Alan Jones, now 84, even launched a warning to Max Verstappen, suggesting that the young McLaren pilot is someone that the reigning champion should take seriously.
For decades, Australia has been waiting for another world formula champion. Now, with a solid McLaren under him, Oscar Piastri seems to have the tools to become this long -awaited hero. However, he will have to constantly surpass Max Verstappen throughout the season. According to Alan Jones, this rivalry could lead to spectacular – and potentially controversial – moments – as the year progresses.
Jones: Piastri has the mental strength to “stand up” in Verstappen
“He sees a gap and he rushes, and Oscar will not be intimidated by that,” said Jones on Fox Sports Australia. “Many other pilots, he bluff them and holds them a little hostage, but I believe that Oscar has the mental strength not to tolerate these nonsense.”
Max Verstappen faced the two McLaren several times this season
Oscar Piastri is the leader of the Formula 1 championship with 131 points and won the last three races consecutively. His teammate Lando Norris played the supporting roles for the majority of the season for the benefit of the Australian, who only enters his third season in sport.
Jones rented Piastri for his mental strength, contrasting him with his teammate Lando Norris, whom he had previously described as “weak”. He believes that Piastri is mentally more robust, showing a more concentrated and resilient approach. Jones stressed that Norris often talks about his mental struggles, involving that the direct and unanswered attitude of Piastri will help him in his quest for his first world title in F1.
This article was written in collaboration with Ludo Van Denderen
