Oscar Piastri has acknowledged that the fight for the 2025 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship is increasingly becoming a duel between McLaren teammates, as Max Verstappen’s challenge fades. With Verstappen trailing by 81 points, Piastri now views his McLaren teammate Lando Norris as the main competitor in a contest dominated by the best-performing car on the grid.
McLaren’s momentum following their 2024 Constructors’ Championship success has carried into this season, establishing them as the team to beat. Meanwhile, although Verstappen, the four-time World Champion, initially remained a contender driving the Red Bull RB21, his recent form has waned significantly. In his last six races, Verstappen has secured only a single podium, while McLaren has achieved three successive one-two finishes, underscoring their current superiority.
Piastri Confirms McLaren Duo as the Leading Title Contenders
After securing victory at the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa, Oscar Piastri extended his championship lead to 16 points over Norris. Prior to the Hungarian Grand Prix, he was asked whether the championship battle had effectively narrowed down to two McLaren drivers.
“So, I’m not too concerned about what happens in that. I’m just trying to win each race and extend the lead. But, I think clearly Lando and I are in the same car, which is the best, and he’s naturally going to be the closest competition.”
—Oscar Piastri, McLaren Driver
He added that recent weekends have primarily featured competition between himself and Norris, although other challengers from Ferrari, Mercedes, or Red Bull might still pose occasional threats depending on the circuit. Piastri emphasized his focus on race victories and maintaining consistent performance rather than getting distracted by the broader championship field.
Comparing Piastri and Norris as They Pursue F1 2025 Titles
With McLaren on track for a potential double title win this season, the contest between rising stars Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris has attracted significant attention. The prospect of a first-time World Champion emerging from this pair seems increasingly likely. Currently, Piastri holds a slight edge in the standings and was questioned about his confidence in securing his maiden championship this year.
“I think I have a lot of confidence in myself that I can do it, yes.”
—Oscar Piastri, McLaren Driver
Piastri admitted that no racing season is perfect, but highlighted the importance of steady, reliable performances over time. He expressed pride especially in his pace at recent events like Spa, affirming his capability to maintain this form into the remainder of the season.
“So yeah, I’m confident that I can do it, but it’s not going to be easy.”
—Oscar Piastri, McLaren Driver
Implications for the 2025 Formula 1 Season and Beyond
As Max Verstappen’s F1 2025 challenge diminishes, the championship battle has become a compelling internal McLaren contest between Piastri and Norris, both demonstrating strong and consistent performances this season. McLaren’s continued superiority in car performance strengthens their prospects of claiming both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles, shifting the spotlight onto these two young drivers’ ability to seize their first World Championship.
The ongoing duel not only underlines McLaren’s upward trajectory but also refreshes the narrative in Formula 1, promising an exciting climax to the season. The title fight’s dynamics suggest Verstappen and his Red Bull team will need to regroup significantly if they hope to reclaim their former dominance in future seasons.
