As the Formula 1 2025 season resumes following the summer break, the race for the drivers’ championship appears tightly contested between McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. While McLaren is expected to secure the constructors’ title, the drivers’ crown hinges on which of the pair can maintain consistent performance over the final 10 races, with Piastri holding a narrow nine-point advantage.
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has publicly declared his support for Piastri as the frontrunner in this championship duel, citing factors that favor the Australian driver’s chances of clinching the title.
Why Guenther Steiner Backs Piastri for the Driver’s Championship
Entering the final phase of the F1 2025 season, Oscar Piastri’s slight lead over Lando Norris has attracted endorsements from key figures in the racing community. In an interview with Web.de Magazine, Guenther Steiner was asked which McLaren driver he favored in the season’s decisive closing rounds. Without hesitation, Steiner named Piastri as his pick.
For me, it’s clearly Oscar Piastri,
Steiner revealed.
Steiner points to Piastri’s superior consistency and calm demeanor on track, qualities that reduce the risk of errors during high-stakes races.
Lando is also strong, no question, but he keeps making little mistakes.
This assessment highlights one of Norris’s challenges in maintaining error-free driving, which could prove costly in the packed field competing for the title.
Support System Strengthens Piastri’s Title Prospects
Beyond his driving skills, Piastri benefits from the guidance of his advisor, Mark Webber, a former Formula 1 driver with vast experience at the top level who understands the pressures of motorsport. Steiner credits this relationship as a key factor in Piastri’s mental readiness for the season’s run-in.
Piastri is very mature mentally. And that makes him the favourite in this McLaren duel for me.
Additional voices within the F1 community agree with Steiner’s perspective. Nico Rosberg described Piastri’s advantage over Norris as “scary,” while Jolyon Palmer noted the Australian’s ability to convert past weaknesses into strengths. Martin Brundle emphasized Piastri’s calm mentality as a crucial asset compared to Norris’s inconsistency.
Meanwhile, Norris acknowledges his own struggles openly. Despite his resolve, he admitted to facing moments of self-doubt and admitted feeling too critical of himself at times, which could unsettle his championship push.
maybe sometimes I lack a bit of self-belief
and
maybe sometimes I’m too hard after myself.
In contrast, Piastri has shown resilience, often recovering swiftly from setbacks to remain competitive in this season-long contest.
Maintaining Team Harmony Amidst Rising Tensions
Both McLaren drivers have maintained professionalism and mutual respect throughout the season, supported by team directives encouraging fair competition. However, Steiner warned that the close championship fight could lead to conflict between the teammates.
There have already been several near misses,
Steiner said.
He pointed out that luck has played a role in avoiding collisions, but with Norris prone to minor errors, the risk of a clash grows as the competition intensifies. An example occurred during the Canadian Grand Prix when Norris attempted a risky maneuver narrowly avoiding a collision that could have damaged Piastri’s car.
That’s why I say it’s almost inevitable that the two will clash at some point.
Such incidents could have major repercussions for both drivers’ championship ambitions as only 10 races remain on the calendar.
What the Championship Battle Means for F1 2025
The 2025 title fight at McLaren showcases the pivotal role of mental strength, consistency, and external support in winning a World Championship. Piastri’s cautious approach and maturity, combined with experienced backing, position him as the favorite to succeed in the intense rivalry. On the other side, Norris’ speed and talent keep the contest close but his tendency for small mistakes places him at a potential disadvantage.
With the season heading toward its final stretch, the unfolding duel between Piastri and Norris offers fans a thrilling narrative and carries significant implications for both McLaren and the broader Formula 1 championship. How the drivers manage pressure and avoid on-track incidents will likely determine who emerges as the 2025 champion.
