Formula 1 veteran Bernie Ecclestone has expressed his support for Oscar Piastri to win the 2025 drivers‘ world championship, choosing him over McLaren teammate Lando Norris. This endorsement comes amid a tightly contested season where both drivers remain strong contenders for the title.
The McLaren team has fielded the leading competitors this year, with Oscar Piastri currently topping the drivers‘ standings at 284 points. Lando Norris follows closely with 275 points. Piastri holds a slight edge with six Grand Prix wins this season, while Norris has secured five victories, fueling an intense rivalry at the front of the pack.
As the sport pauses for the mid-season summer break, Ecclestone shared his thoughts with the Swiss–German publication Blick, stating his confidence in Piastri’s mental strength and racing approach. He remarked,
“I bet on the Australian after just three races! He goes his own way, and is mentally far superior to Norris.”
—Bernie Ecclestone, Former F1 Chief Executive
The latest battle between the two drivers took place at the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix, where Norris managed to outperform Piastri. Despite Piastri’s efforts in the final stages of the race to regain the lead, he was unable to pass Norris. With 14 of the 24 races completed this season, the championship remains wide open as the calendar heads into the final 10 events, starting with the Dutch Grand Prix next week. Notably, Norris was the winner of the last edition at Zandvoort.
Oscar Piastri Reflects on Rising Pressure in the Championship Fight
While Ecclestone favors Piastri for the title, the Australian driver himself acknowledges the mounting pressure as the season progresses. Aware that his lead over Norris is just nine points, Piastri recognizes the need for consistency and focus in the remaining races. Speaking through McLaren, he shared his perspective on managing the title race:
“Obviously, you don’t want to give away points, but it has been far too early to be thinking of the season in that way. At this stage, you just want to go into the weekend trying to get the most out of it as you can, rather than thinking of the Championship overall.”
“So yes, I think I’ve handled it well, but I haven’t concentrated on it much. The pressure is only going to increase from here. When we get to the latter part of the year, that is when the pressure will ramp up.”
—Oscar Piastri, McLaren Driver
Both Piastri and Norris are pursuing their first ever Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship in 2025, making their ongoing battle particularly compelling for fans and experts alike. Their performances and mental resilience will prove crucial as they navigate the season‘s crucial final stages.
With the championship entering its decisive stretch, the dynamics between these two talented drivers and their ability to handle pressure are likely to shape the ultimate winner. Bernie Ecclestone’s endorsement adds further intrigue, spotlighting Oscar Piastri as a leading contender for the coveted 2025 F1 drivers’ title.