F1 News: Piastri & Norris Show Different Racing Styles Against Verstappen

The 2025 Formula 1 season continues to heat up as Oscar Piastri builds momentum in his championship battle with teammate Lando Norris. The recent Miami Grand Prix displayed compelling evidence that the two McLaren drivers might approach wheel-to-wheel combat differently, especially when racing against the notoriously difficult Max Verstappen.

Piastri claimed his fourth victory of the season in Miami, extending his championship lead over Norris to 16 points. This marked the second consecutive race where Piastri bested Verstappen in a direct duel before going on to win. The Australian demonstrated remarkable patience and tactical awareness throughout the race.

Many F1 fans who frequent Tether sports betting sites noticed the pattern developing between these drivers, with odds now favoring Piastri in head-to-head matchups against Verstappen based on his recent form. The betting markets reflect a growing confidence in Piastri’s race craft against the aggressive Dutch driver.

From his fourth position on the grid, Piastri first benefited when Norris ran wide at Turn 2, then quickly passed rookie Kimi Antonelli. The Australian then spent several laps stalking Verstappen before capitalizing on a mistake by the Red Bull driver on lap 14. His calculated approach paid dividends as he patiently waited for the perfect moment to strike.

Based on his observations and expertise, Piastri stated after the race that he stays away from racing on Verstappen’s outside. This indicates a methodical approach to the three-time world champion’s racing.

In comparison, Norris lost positions on the first lap as he tried a bold move on pole-sitter Verstappen. After making contact with Verstappen at Turn 1, the British driver lost precious track position and ended up going wide. Later in the race, Norris also spent time stuck behind Verstappen before finally making it past.

After the race, Norris voiced frustration at Verstappen’s aggressive defense tactics. The British driver felt that racing against Max left him with almost impossible choices. He stood by his decision to attempt the early overtake despite the criticism that followed.

Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle observed that while Norris might hold a slight edge in raw pace, Piastri demonstrates superior race craft. Brundle noted that Piastri has a distinct advantage over Norris when it comes to race craft.

The difference between their approaches became clear in Saudi Arabia as well, where Piastri forced Verstappen to cut a chicane, resulting in a penalty for the Red Bull driver. Piastri indicated that he now better understands the boundaries of racing against Max.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella downplayed any differences between his drivers, suggesting that success in these situations comes down to minimal margins of time and distance. He maintains that both drivers show equal determination and precision in their overtaking maneuvers.

The dynamics between these three drivers will remain a focal point as the season progresses. With McLaren now firmly in the fight for both championships, how Piastri and Norris navigate battles with Verstappen could prove decisive.

Perceptions of the two McLaren drivers’ racing styles may be influenced by their contrasting personalities. Outside the automobile, Piastri exudes a cold, collected manner, whereas Norris is more likely to show emotion and be more forthcoming. Their on-track actions may be interpreted differently due to these distinct personalities.

Fans will anxiously await the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on May 16–18, the start of the European leg of the Formula 1 season, to see if these trends hold true. There will undoubtedly be more races involving these three since McLaren currently has a speed edge over Red Bull at several courses.