Oscar Piastri experienced a disappointing end to the 2025 Formula 1 season, failing to secure the championship title, particularly against his teammate, Lando Norris. Despite leading the title race for much of the year, Piastri struggled during critical moments, ultimately watching Norris claim his first championship. In light of this setback, Norris expressed his belief that Piastri will undoubtedly become a world champion in the near future.
Throughout the 2025 season, Piastri was determined to compete fiercely for the title. However, a combination of team orders and performance inconsistencies hindered his campaign. Norris, on the other hand, demonstrated strong performance when it counted, culminating in his maiden title win. Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, echoed Norris’s sentiments, expressing confidence in Piastri’s potential to achieve championship success soon.
Norris highlighted the thrill of competing against established drivers such as Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion. He described the intense battles on track as a rewarding aspect of the season. “It was a pleasure to fight Max, and I really enjoyed this season because of that,” Norris stated. He emphasized that while the competition was challenging, he appreciated the opportunity to race alongside Piastri, whom he believes will also ascend to champion status.
Reflecting on the competitive landscape, Norris acknowledged that Piastri was one of the toughest competitors he faced during the season. Despite dealing with his own challenges, including two race retirements and insufficient speed at times, Norris recognized Piastri’s relentless pursuit in every race. “Since the first race in Australia, I knew he was probably going to be the toughest guy to beat,” Norris remarked.
As the season unfolded, Verstappen made a notable resurgence, closing a significant points gap of 104 to just two by season’s end, which underscored the fierce competitiveness of the championship. Norris remarked, “You can never count out Max; he’s Max.”
With the 2026 season approaching and new regulations set to impact the competition, McLaren aims to maintain the momentum established during the 2025 season. For now, Piastri is expected to utilize the off-season to regroup and prepare for a stronger challenge ahead. His determination to secure a title will likely be amplified, as he aims to prove himself as a formidable contender without being hindered by team orders.
Norris’s confidence in Piastri’s future success highlights not only the camaraderie within the McLaren team but also the potential for an exciting rivalry that could shape the upcoming seasons in Formula 1.
