Analyst: Oscar Piastri's Saturday Speed Turned Him Into a 2025 Title Contender
Jolyon Palmer credits Oscar Piastri's dramatic qualifying improvement as the key step that transformed him into a genuine 2025 F1 title contender, highlighting his newfound Saturday speed and seven wins.
Former driver and analyst Jolyon Palmer has pinpointed Oscar Piastri's dramatic improvement in qualifying as the pivotal development that transformed him into a 2025 Formula 1 title contender. Despite narrowly missing out on the championship, Piastri's newfound Saturday pace—a stark contrast to his 2024 struggles—established him as a genuine force. Palmer named the McLaren driver his 'most improved' of the season, highlighting his seven wins and potential for even more.
Why it matters:
Piastri's transformation addresses the single biggest question mark about his ability to challenge for a world championship. In modern F1, Saturday performance is paramount; grid position often dictates race outcome, especially at the front. Closing the gap to his highly-rated teammate Lando Norris on one lap proves Piastri has the complete skillset required to be a top-tier driver, not just a strong racer.
The details:
- 'A big turnaround': Palmer emphasized the stark contrast from 2024, when Piastri was "blown away by Norris over one lap."
- Title Fight: Piastri led the drivers' championship for a significant portion of the 2025 season before a difficult mid-season run, ultimately finishing third, just 13 points behind Norris.
- Race Wins: The Australian secured seven Grand Prix victories, with Palmer suggesting he could have challenged for as many as ten wins.
- Champion's Mentality: Palmer stated, "You could make a case for Oscar being a worthy world champion this year," adding that he has now "shown he’s got what it takes."
What's next:
Piastri will enter the 2026 season with his status as a top-line driver firmly established. With the qualifying question answered, he is no longer seen as just a fast racer but as a complete package capable of challenging for the title from the very first weekend. If McLaren can deliver another championship-caliber car, the dynamic at the front of the grid could see Piastri and Norris in a fierce, season-long battle for supremacy.