Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft suggests that Oscar Piastri might adopt tactics similar to those used by Lewis Hamilton during past F1 championship deciders. Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, has had several dramatic finishes in his career.
He clinched his first title at the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix by overtaking Timo Glock on the final lap when Glock was struggling on the wrong tires. Hamilton also beat Nico Rosberg to the 2014 championship.
In 2016, during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton employed a strategic move where he purposely slowed down in the final sector to force Rosberg into battles with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. For Rosberg to win the title, he needed a podium finish, while Hamilton had to win. However, the tactic didn’t pay off, causing tension within the Mercedes team.
As the 2025 season approaches its final race, similar tactics could come into play because three drivers — Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri — are still in mathematical contention. Norris leads by 12 points over Verstappen. If either Verstappen or Piastri wins the race, Norris can secure the title with a third-place finish. Verstappen must win with Norris finishing fourth, a scenario reminiscent of Hamilton’s 2016 challenge. Piastri, meanwhile, needs to win and have Norris finish sixth or lower.
Croft thinks Piastri’s best chance is to strategically slow the race pace to pack the field tightly and pressure Norris from behind. Achieving this would likely require Piastri to start from pole on a circuit where Norris has usually done well.
On Sky Sports’ F1 Show, Croft noted that Piastri is focused on team strategies, highlighting the importance of teamwork in Formula 1. He doesn’t believe either Piastri or Norris will act against their team’s interests, even if it means letting Verstappen through. Croft envisions Piastri winning and using tactics to push teammates back into the pack, similar to Hamilton versus Rosberg in 2016, but ultimately thinks Norris will claim the championship if that happens.
Fan Take: This insight into potential race tactics adds a thrilling strategic layer to the season finale, making every moment on the track crucial for fans. It underscores how teamwork and mind games remain as pivotal as driving skill in shaping F1 championship outcomes.
