Oscar Piastri has gained increased backing as the favorite to secure his first Formula 1 world championship in the 2025 season. With ten races left, he leads the Drivers’ Championship by nine points over McLaren teammate Lando Norris, positioning himself as the main contender for the title.
Expert Analysis Favors Piastri for F1 Title
Although Piastri’s points margin has decreased in recent events, former Formula 1 driver and current commentator Christian Danner considers him the frontrunner for the championship. Danner highlights Piastri’s consistent and composed driving style as a significant advantage over Norris.
He is less prone to making mistakes,
said Danner in an interview with the German publication ran. He added that Piastri’s calm, thoughtful, and focused demeanor is evident both on and off the track, rarely losing his composure.
For me, the pendulum is clearly swinging in his direction. But Norris’ fans need not be sad. It’s so close that it will probably only be decided in the last race.
Despite Norris securing three victories in the last four races and McLaren occupying the two top podium positions consistently, the Drivers’ Championship is increasingly narrowing to a battle between these two teammates.
McLaren Dominates Constructors’ Championship Amidst Piastri-Norris Rivalry
McLaren’s strong recent performances have propelled the team into a commanding position in the Constructors’ Championship, making their success nearly unchallengeable at this stage of the season. Among the drivers, only Oliver Bearman, Franco Colapinto, and Jack Doohan remain mathematically in contention, but realistically the battle is largely limited to Piastri and Norris.
Earlier in the season, Norris held the championship lead, but Piastri overtook him following a remarkable sequence of four wins in five races. Although Norris generated momentum before the summer break, Danner doubts that this will be enough for the Brit to claim the title.
Success is always the best means to more success,
Danner remarked, referring to Norris’ recent winning streak.
However, luck has slightly favored Norris recently in races such as those held at Silverstone and Budapest, a factor unlikely to persist indefinitely.
Psychologically, the momentum may be with Norris at the moment, but that doesn’t bother Piastri at all. He’s sticking to his style.
Contrasting Personalities Define the McLaren Teammates
While Oscar Piastri is known for his calm and methodical approach, Lando Norris displays a more openly emotional and expressive personality. This contrast has drawn critical commentary, with 1980 world champion Alan Jones describing Norris as mentally fragile.
He’s coming out with all this nonsense that he’s got a bit of a mental thing, he’s dwelling on some of the problems he’s had rather than the positives,
Jones said.
When they start talking all that nonsense, you know you’ve got them.
In comparison, Piastri’s restrained and analytical nature has often been likened to that of four-time world champion Alain Prost, renowned as “The Professor” for his cerebral driving style.
I like the way he behaves, a little bit like me, thinking about when to do the right manoeuvre for overtaking and being a little bit more clever,
Prost commented during his appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Distinct Driving Styles Shape the Championship Battle
Danner emphasizes that the key difference in this close contest lies in the contrasting character and mindset of the two drivers. While Norris presents as a charismatic figure with fluctuating moods, Piastri remains a cool, analytical competitor whose lap times are virtually identical to Norris’, often differing by only a hundredth of a second.
Personally, I believe that Piastri will win in the end.
This tight rivalry not only captures the essence of this season’s intense competition but will likely continue to shape McLaren’s fortunes as they vie for both drivers‘ and constructors’ titles.
