Piastri's Ex-Coach 'Proud' as F1 Title Battle Nears Climax
Oscar Piastri's former coach, Kim Keedle, expresses immense pride watching the McLaren driver's impressive championship bid unfold. Having guided Piastri through his junior career and early F1 seasons, Keedle now enjoys the intense competition between Piastri and Lando Norris as a fan, highlighting the freedom McLaren gives its drivers. Despite stepping away from the team, Keedle remains close friends with Piastri, confident in his ability to clinch the title in the final two rounds.
Oscar Piastri's former coach, Kim Keedle, is filled with pride watching the McLaren driver's stellar performance as the F1 title battle approaches its conclusion. Keedle, who worked with Piastri through his junior triumphs and into Formula 1 before stepping away last year, observes Piastri's breakout championship bid with satisfaction and emotion.
Why it matters:
Piastri's emergence as a genuine title contender marks a significant moment for both the driver and McLaren, signaling a potential shift in the competitive hierarchy of Formula 1. His strong performance, endorsed by a former key figure in his development, highlights his talent and McLaren's resurgence, making the championship's final stages even more compelling.
The Details:
- A Season of Pride: Keedle expressed immense pride in Piastri's performance, noting his strong season and McLaren's highly competitive form. This sentiment comes from a coach who guided Piastri through his Formula 2 title in 2021 and into his initial F1 seasons.
- Role in Piastri's Rise: Keedle joined Piastri during his Renault Academy years, bringing experience from working with Romain Grosjean at Haas. He was instrumental in Piastri's development, supporting him through critical junior categories.
- Enjoying the Rivalry: Now back in Melbourne and no longer part of the McLaren team, Keedle enjoys watching Piastri and teammate Lando Norris race head-to-head. He appreciates the freedom the team gives its drivers to compete, calling it "exciting as a fan."
- Friendship Beyond Racing: Despite no longer being responsible for Piastri's race preparation, Keedle maintains a close friendship with the driver. Their conversations, though less frequent due to Piastri's demanding schedule, often revolve around general topics like sports and cars, rather than racing specifics.
What's next:
With only two rounds remaining in the 2025 championship, Keedle believes Piastri is fully capable of overcoming the current deficit in the standings. He hopes for "a few twists and turns" in what has already been an exciting season, emphasizing Piastri's talent and the "underdog story" appeal to Australian fans. If Piastri can maintain his exceptional form, he could yet deliver a stunning finish to the championship.