Piastri holds off Leclerc with bold defense as Ferrari driver closes with DRS

Oscar Piastri is locked in a thrilling battle with Charles Leclerc, as the McLaren driver defends aggressively to maintain his position while the Ferrari man bears down on him with the aid of DRS. With Leclerc now within striking distance, Piastri has employed a more robust defensive strategy, doing everything in his power to stay ahead.

Leclerc, using the Drag Reduction System to close the gap, has been putting relentless pressure on Piastri, who is fighting to maintain his advantage in what has become an intense midfield battle. However, unlike their earlier exchanges, Piastri is now defending with greater determination. The young Australian has been weaving down the straights—legally—to break the slipstream, making it difficult for Leclerc to gain a speed advantage.

While Piastri’s defensive tactics remain within the boundaries of the rules, the weaving highlights the fine margins in modern Formula 1 racing, where drivers must balance aggression with caution to avoid penalties. His maneuvers, though bold, showcase his racecraft and ability to hold his nerve under immense pressure from a seasoned competitor like Leclerc.

Leclerc, who had previously been less aggressive in his approach, now finds himself unable to replicate the ease with which he pursued Piastri in earlier laps. Despite the added DRS advantage, the Ferrari driver is finding it tough to break Piastri’s defense, as the McLaren continues to hold its ground.

With both drivers fighting hard, this duel promises to be one of the key storylines of the race. Piastri’s tenacity and Leclerc’s persistence are setting the stage for a battle of strategy and wits as they jockey for position, with each looking to outlast the other in this high-stakes contest.