Oscar Piastri, the young McLaren driver, is no longer the quiet rookie discovering Formula 1—he’s determined to become a great champion.
After two solid seasons with the British team, the Australian enters the 2025 Formula 1 season with a clear ambition: to fight for the world title. His quick adaptation and his first Grand Prix wins last year have given him confidence, and he now feels ready to compete with Max Verstappen as well as his teammate Lando Norris.
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Oscar Piastri already at his prime at McLaren?
From his early days at McLaren, Oscar Piastri impressed with his maturity and ability to adapt. His first success in Hungary, followed by a brilliant win in Baku, confirmed his potential and racing intelligence. However, things haven’t always been easy. On some weekends, he struggled to find the right pace, especially during qualifying where Norris often had the advantage. Aware of these small shortcomings, Piastri has focused on better preparation this winter. More time in the simulator, a detailed analysis of his performance, and work on his consistency should help him become more regular. He knows that to contend for the title, it’s not enough to be fast in a few races, but rather to consistently deliver solid results throughout the season. And Piastri is well supported, notably by Mark Webber, his agent and fellow countryman who raced in F1 in the 2010s.
McLaren World Champion: An opportunity to seize in 2025
McLaren made a spectacular leap in 2024, moving from a mid-grid team to a true challenger for Red Bull and constructors champion. The MCL39, which Piastri has just discovered, might be the car that will allow him to take a step forward. The British team has invested heavily in its development and reliability, and the first tests seem to confirm the hopes placed in this single-seater. With a more competitive package than ever, every detail will count. Piastri knows that even if McLaren isn’t the fastest car in every race, maximizing points on slower weekends will be crucial to stay in the title fight. A lesson he learned well after watching Norris battle Verstappen last year.
Beware the sibling rivalry between Norris and Piastri
If Piastri aims for the title, he must first assert himself against Norris, who remains the natural team leader after several seasons at McLaren. Their rivalry could become one of the most followed battles of the season, as the two drivers are very close in performance.
But the Australian is not easily intimidated. He has already proven he can compete with Norris on certain circuits, and he is convinced that 2025 will be the year he takes it to the next level. He knows that every hundredth of a second will count and that the balance of power within the team could change at any moment.
This article explores the growing ambition of Oscar Piastri, who feels ready to challenge Max Verstappen and Lando Norris in the F1 world champion title fight. With a rapidly progressing McLaren and a more rigorous preparation, the Australian wants to turn his potential into concrete results and establish himself as a serious contender for the world championship.
Images: © McLaren media
