Oscar Piastri currently leads the Formula 1 championship standings and is regarded as a strong contender for the 2025 F1 title. However, former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes that Lando Norris, Piastri’s McLaren teammate, has a better chance to secure the championship this season. Their ongoing rivalry has created one of the most closely contested battles in recent Formula 1 history.
Current Title Race Between McLaren Teammates Intensifies
As the 2025 Formula 1 season unfolds, Oscar Piastri has impressed many with consistent and high-level performances, maintaining the championship lead. Alongside Piastri, Lando Norris has emerged as his closest rival within the McLaren team. Both drivers have won five races each, making their duel one of the defining storylines of the season. Although Piastri holds a modest nine-point advantage, it is clear the fight for the title is fiercely competitive.
Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, was initially seen as a potential challenger this year, but Red Bull’s ongoing difficulties have allowed the McLaren drivers to pull ahead. Verstappen’s struggles have diminished his threat, leaving Norris and Piastri to battle for supremacy as the season progresses.
Juan Pablo Montoya Backs Norris to Claim the Championship
Juan Pablo Montoya, known for his sharp insights and past experience with McLaren, expressed clear support for Lando Norris to win the 2025 F1 title despite Piastri’s lead. Montoya revealed that while his family wishes for Oscar Piastri to triumph, he personally favors Norris, whom he regards as mentally stronger and quicker in recent races.
I think Lando [will win the title]. In my house everybody wants Oscar, but I want Lando. I like Lando. I like both of them. I think Lando’s a little quicker and he’s developed some real steel recently. What Lando did in Hungary made me sure that Lando’s going to win.
—Juan Pablo Montoya, Former F1 Driver
Montoya highlighted Norris’ performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix as a pivotal moment. Although Piastri appeared to dominate early in the weekend, Norris adapted his race strategy perfectly, overtaking his teammate and proving his resilience under pressure. This, according to Montoya, was evidence that Norris will not make it easy for Piastri to secure the crown.
Oscar had him covered all weekend. Oscar was better Friday. Going into qualifying, Oscar had the weekend in his hands. And Lando really stepped up through the race. He really stepped up and did the job in the race. He made the different strategy work. Everything is coming together.
—Juan Pablo Montoya, Former F1 Driver
McLaren Leadership Welcomes the Intrateam Rivalry
McLaren team boss Andrea Stella has praised the intense competition between Piastri and Norris, emphasizing the entertainment value it brings to the sport and the positive momentum for the team. Stella confirmed that McLaren has deliberately refrained from imposing team orders, allowing both drivers to race freely and push each other on the track.
Describing the championship battle as a “great spectacle,” Stella conveyed satisfaction with how the rivalry has energized both the drivers and the fans, and predicted that this contest will grow even more thrilling as the season approaches its conclusion.
This makes it a great spectacle for Formula 1, this is what we wanted to achieve as a team, and I think it’s going to be very interesting until the end of the season.
—Andrea Stella, McLaren Team Principal
Stella’s outlook underscores McLaren’s confidence in their drivers’ abilities to deliver high-stakes racing with sportsmanship intact, demonstrating how internal competition can elevate overall team performance.
Impact of the McLaren Showdown on the 2025 Championship Landscape
The McLaren drivers’ back-and-forth throughout the first half of the season has significantly shifted the competitive dynamics within Formula 1. Their neck-and-neck points situation has created unpredictability that challenges other title hopefuls and satisfies fans eager for edge-of-the-seat racing.
With just nine points separating Piastri and Norris after 14 rounds, every race moving forward will be pivotal. Both drivers are showing remarkable maturity and determination, signaling that the 2025 F1 title race will continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
Montoya’s endorsement of Norris adds an intriguing perspective, as his experience and familiarity with McLaren’s ecosystem lend weight to his judgment. Meanwhile, Piastri’s consistency and early-season dominance ensure that he remains a credible favorite in the championship fight.
What Lies Ahead for Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris
The remainder of the season promises high drama as Piastri and Norris push their machines to the limits to claim the top spot. Both drivers will need flawless performances and strategic prowess to navigate the remaining races successfully. How they manage pressure, adapt to tracks, and exploit race strategies will likely determine who lifts the 2025 Formula 1 trophy.
For McLaren, the ongoing rivalry is a testament to their drivers‘ talent and the team’s competitive resurgence in the sport. This era of intense competition between teammates can forge stronger bonds and elevate the entire squad’s ambition moving forward.
Formula 1 fans can expect a thrilling conclusion to the season as these two drivers fight not just for personal glory but for McLaren’s place at the summit of the championship.
