Oscar Piastri has revealed that his belief in his own capabilities has grown, even after losing a strong lead and missing out on the Formula 1 championship in 2025. The McLaren driver finished third in the Drivers’ Championship behind Max Verstappen and team-mate Lando Norris, who secured the title.
Although Norris claimed the championship, Piastri had been the apparent favorite for much of the season, at times looking set to deliver a McLaren title double. The Australian led the standings in more races than Norris and held a 34-point lead with just nine events remaining, especially after Norris retired at the Zandvoort Grand Prix.
A Challenging Second Half Cost Piastri the Title
Despite his early dominance, Piastri experienced a severe drop in performance over the last six races, failing to reach the podium and allowing both Norris and Verstappen to surpass him in the rankings. This downturn ultimately cost him the championship, turning what had seemed a likely victory into a third-place finish.
Yet, Piastri chooses to focus on the positives from his third season in Formula 1, highlighting confidence gains and valuable experiences. He told 7Sport,
“There were so many parts of the season that were successful, and so many parts of the season that I look back on with great memories.”
He added,
“The amount of confidence that I found throughout the year, in myself and my own abilities, is something I can take forever. Definitely some things to work on, and [there were] a few moments that I probably wish I had again, and I’m sure the team think the same.”
He concluded,
“But it’s all going to make me stronger for the future, and we’ve got plenty more years of success to come, hopefully.”
Growing International Fan Base and Support
Piastri has also noted that his status as a title contender significantly increased his global following, especially among Australian fans abroad. He observed that during the European races, although the Australian crowd may not be large, their enthusiasm is highly noticeable.
“We’re not always the biggest crowd, but we’re normally the loudest, so it’s always great to feel that,”
he said.
He mentioned events closer to home, such as Singapore, where he noticed an even stronger presence of fans.
“For me, the amount of support and the amount of fans that I gained through the year that I could see in the grandstands was really, really special. So hopefully that trend continues.”
Looking Ahead After a Narrow Title Defeat
Despite the disappointment of narrowly missing out on the 2025 championship, Piastri remains hopeful and determined to build on his experiences. His reflections on the past season underscore a mindset focused on growth and future success within Formula 1, where he aims to leverage newfound confidence and fan support in upcoming campaigns.
