Oscar Piastri has acknowledged that the contest for the F1 2025 Drivers’ Championship has effectively narrowed to a duel between himself and fellow McLaren driver Lando Norris. Max Verstappen, once a strong contender, has slipped 81 points behind the championship leader, allowing McLaren to take clear control of the title fight. Both Piastri and Norris benefit from driving what is currently considered the best car on the grid, positioning them as the primary challengers for the ultimate crown this season.
Max Verstappen’s Chances Decline Amid McLaren’s Rise
Following McLaren’s impressive breakthrough with their Constructors’ Championship in 2024, the team has accelerated its momentum to set the benchmark in 2025. Verstappen, the reigning four-time World Champion, initially kept pace in the title race with his Red Bull RB21. However, his recent form has faltered, with just one podium in his last six races contrasting starkly with McLaren’s streak of three straight one-two finishes.
Piastri’s victory at Spa, where he edged out Norris, further extended his championship lead to 16 points heading into the Hungarian Grand Prix. When asked whether the championship fight now boils down to the two McLaren drivers, Piastri agreed that it effectively has.
“So, I’m not too concerned about what happens in that. I’m just trying to win each race and extend the lead. But, I think clearly Lando and I are in the same car, which is the best, and he’s naturally going to be the closest competition.”
—Oscar Piastri, Driver
He remains mindful that other competitors, such as Verstappen, Ferrari, and Mercedes drivers, may still challenge at certain circuits, but for now, the McLaren teammates are the central focus of the title race.
Comparing Piastri and Norris in the 2025 Championship Fight
The ongoing rivalry between Piastri and Norris, both teammates at McLaren, presents a compelling narrative in the 2025 season. With their team’s dominance increasing the likelihood of crowning a first-time World Champion, the spotlight intensifies on which of the two will emerge victorious.
Piastri currently holds a slight lead and has expressed strong belief in his ability to secure his maiden Championship. Despite the inevitable challenges and some imperfect weekends, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistency throughout the season.
“I think I have a lot of confidence in myself that I can do it, yes.”
—Oscar Piastri, Driver
Reflecting on recent performances, especially his showing at Spa, Piastri feels a sense of pride and readiness to continue competing at a top level. He admits, however, that the journey to the title will not be without difficulty.
“So yeah, I’m confident that I can do it, but it’s not going to be easy.”
—Oscar Piastri, Driver
Implications for the 2025 Season and Future Title Contenders
The shift toward a McLaren-centric title fight marks a significant moment in the 2025 Formula 1 season. Verstappen’s reduced chances highlight just how dominant McLaren have become, setting up an intriguing season finale centered around the two team-mates. The rivalry between Piastri and Norris not only fuels competition within the team but also increases anticipation over which driver will achieve their first World Championship.
As the season progresses past the Hungarian Grand Prix, all eyes will remain on McLaren’s drivers to see who can maintain consistency and composure under intense pressure. This internal battle, driven by the performance of the best car on the grid, promises to be one of the most captivating storylines in recent F1 history, shaping both the present championship and the future landscape of the sport.