As his team mull their strategy for the remaining eight race weekends of the season, Oscar Piastri has said he is focused McLaren continuing its hot streak as they close in on defending champions Red Bull. 

What appeared early in 2024 to be another dominant season for Red Bull and three-time drivers' championship winner Max Verstappen, has turned into a genuine three-way fight for the constructors' title.

Red Bull holds a narrow eight-point lead over McLaren in the race for the constructors, with Ferrari just another 31 points adrift. 

Meanwhile, Piastri's teammate Lando Norris has clawed his deficit to Verstappen in the drivers' championship to 62 points, but missed out on narrowing it further last time out at Monza.

From pole, Norris lost out to Piastri before McLaren was outdone strategically by Ferrari, who guided Charles Leclerc to a race win that looked certain to be secured by the Australian.

As speculation surrounds whether McLaren will initiate team orders to preference Norris for the remaining eight weekends this season, Piastri said he was focused on improving and securing more vital championship points heading into this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix. 

"We haven't been to a street circuit in a few months and Baku always throws up some interesting races and opportunities," he said in the lead-up to this Sunday's race.

"I'm optimistic about what we can do as a team with the car we have. The upgrades have been working well and it’s clear that we are competitive at all types of circuits.

"We've been securing a lot of points in each race, and hopefully, this weekend will be no different.”

After being well beaten by Piastri and missing out on vital championship points last time out in Monza, McLaren is believed to be mulling what strategy they employ as the season reaches its climax. 

Piastri scored the most points of any during the European leg of the F1 season, but is too far adrift from being a realistic challenger for the drivers' championship.

McLaren and Norris will need to be near-perfect to overcome the 62-point lead Verstappen has, despite the McLaren recently being much quicker than the Red Bull.

Norris has said the drivers' championship is well within his sights, an ambition also shared by his team.

"My engineers and I went over our performance in Monza, and found ways where we can do better, both from my side and as a team," he said.

"Our goal is clear. I have every faith in the team to keep working and improving.

"Now with both championships on the table, we're more determined than ever. I'm proud of the team and can’t wait to see what we can do this weekend.”