Max Verstappen battled both McLaren drivers in Miami, finishing fourth behind Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris after starting on pole.
Sky Sports pundit Martin Brundle observed contrasting dynamics during the wheel-to-wheel duels.
Piastri’s Aggressive Reputation
Brundle told the F1 Show, “100 per cent, unquestionably.
“I think he knows that there’s something a bit more street fighter about Oscar Piastri, and he saw it in Jeddah.”
He argued that Verstappen anticipates decisive moves from Piastri and adjusts his tactics accordingly.
Norris Comparison
Brundle said, “You can’t criticise Lando’s race craft… but somehow… Max realises Oscar’s a different deal in wheel-to-wheel combat.”
He suggested Norris is “not quite as decisive” in car placement and will learn with experience.
Championship Context
McLaren has won five of six races, with Piastri leading the standings on 131 points and Norris on 115.
Verstappen remains in contention for a fifth straight title yet conceded valuable ground in Miami.
Brundle believes Piastri’s rapid improvement makes him “absolute world championship material,” adding that the Australian “looks so confident” after four wins in six starts.
Season Outlook
With Imola, Monaco and Spain forming a gruelling triple-header, the Verstappen-Piastri rivalry may define the next phase of the campaign.
If Brundle’s assessment proves accurate, fans could witness increasingly intense battles as the pair fight for supremacy.