Oscar Piastri said there had been some "tough moments" as his commanding Formula One lead evaporated, but he was "looking forward to getting back in the car in Vegas" this weekend.

The Australian started the season in style with four wins in the first nine races. After his fifth victory in round 15 in the Netherlands, Piastri led McLaren team-mate Lando Norris by 34 points.

Yet, going into round 22 in Nevada this weekend, Piastri trails Norris by 24 points.

"I was particularly strong in the first half of the season. Even though things aren't going as well now, I don't think I should have done anything differently recently," he said.

"There's going to be bumps along the road."

There are a maximum of 83 points available in the last three races and the sprint on the final weekend in Qata

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