Piastri Reflects on 'Bumpy' 2025 Title Loss, Stays Optimistic with McLaren
After leading the championship, Oscar Piastri's 2025 season hit a "bumpy road," costing him the title to Lando Norris. He finished third but remains proud of his seven wins and optimistic about his future with McLaren.
Oscar Piastri has labeled his 2025 F1 campaign a "rollercoaster" and a "bumpy road," acknowledging the pain of losing the championship lead to his McLaren teammate, Lando Norris. Despite a mid-season collapse that saw him finish third in the standings, the Australian driver remains proud of his achievements and optimistic about his future with the team, believing the tough lessons learned will be crucial for his future title aspirations.
Why it matters:
Piastri's response to his first major title challenge setback reveals his mental fortitude, a key attribute for a future World Champion. The internal battle at McLaren between Norris and Piastri has become one of F1's most compelling rivalries, and its resolution will define the team's 2026 campaign. How the team manages the relationship and development focus between two closely-matched drivers will be critical for sustaining their championship-winning form.
The details:
- High Point: Piastri's season peaked with a stunning grand chelem at the Dutch Grand Prix, putting him 34 points ahead of Norris and 104 ahead of Max Verstappen.
- The Slump: Starting from the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, his challenge faltered dramatically. In just five races, his championship lead evaporated as Norris surged ahead to a lead he never relinquished.
- Final Standings: He ultimately finished the record 24-race season in third place, 13 points behind champion Norris and just one point behind Verstappen in second.
- Equal Wins: Despite the final result, Piastri matched Norris win-for-win, securing seven victories throughout the year, a remarkable feat for a driver in just his third F1 season.
What's next:
Piastri enters the 2026 season with a "nice place" mentality, feeling the hard-earned lessons from 2025 have made him a stronger and more complete driver. The dynamic with Norris is expected to remain fiercely competitive, with both drivers likely starting the new season as equal contenders for the title. McLaren will look to capitalize on the momentum of their 2025 constructors' and drivers' championships, aiming to manage their driver lineup effectively to fend off resurgent rivals like Ferrari and Red Bull.