Oscar Piastri is fighting back against critics as his championship hopes slip away, with the Australian's lead evaporating after 5 races.
What happened?
The McLaren driver's substantial 34-point lead after the Dutch Grand Prix triumph in Zandvoort at the end of August is now gone.
Oscar Piastri's form has deteriorated without a podium in his last 4 outings, leading to criticism from former world champ Jacques Villeneuve.
Why it matters for Oscar Piastri
Villeneuve labelled it a "total collapse", suggesting Piastri hasn't been the same driver since the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, when he crashed twice and jumped the start.
But Piastri dismissed the idea of a crisis of confidence, telling Sky Sports "I know I've still got what it takes to win the championship".
What comes next?
Oscar Piastri has won 7 races this term and is looking to regain his form at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
He acknowledged "there's been some bumps along the road" but is "confident I've learned a lot of helpful things" from recent weekends.
The conspiracy theorists have floated the idea that McLaren have been favouring teammate Lando Norris in the run-in.
Jos Verstappen, father of Red Bull's champion Max Verstappen, has suggested Piastri and manager Mark Webber should "bang fists on tables" at McLaren over his treatment.
Oscar Piastri shrugged off the criticism, saying "We can stand up for ourselves and I feel very comfortable doing that".
He respects the team allowing him and Norris to fight for the drivers' championship, wanting to win "on my own merit".
Oscar Piastri's underpowered performances in the two most recent races in Austin and Mexico City have looked alarming.
He noted "Austin and Mexico have been kind of two races that have been different to a lot of others".
The Australian driver is looking to regain his form and win the championship, with 7 race wins this term.
Oscar Piastri's confidence remains high, despite the criticism and slipping championship hopes.
He is focused on the Sao Paulo Grand Prix and regaining his lead in the championship.
The pressure is on for Oscar Piastri to perform, but he is ready for the challenge.