Piastri Says 2025 Title Fight Gave Him Confidence He'll 'Take Forever'

Oscar Piastri may have fallen just short of the 2025 F1 title, losing a tight battle to teammate Lando Norris, but the McLaren driver insists the experience forged a lasting confidence in his own abilities. After leading the championship for a significant portion of the season, Piastri views the near-miss not as a source of regret, but as a crucial foundation for future success, built on the self-belief he discovered under pressure.

Why it matters:

In a sport where mental fortitude is as crucial as raw speed, Piastri's ability to extract a positive, long-term gain from a championship defeat is a significant sign of his maturity. This newfound confidence could be the key ingredient that transforms him from a race winner into a consistent title contender, capable of handling the immense pressure of a year-long fight.

The details:

• Piastri explicitly states that the confidence he discovered in himself during the 2025 season is the most valuable takeaway, something he will "take forever."
• He is clear-eyed about his shortcomings, admitting there were "definitely some things to work on" and moments he'd like to have back, demonstrating a productive approach to loss.
• The driver also drew strength from his growing fanbase, particularly the "loud" support from Australian fans at races, which he described as "really, really special."

What's next:

Piastri is channeling the lessons from 2025 into a stronger future. He believes the experience has made him more resilient and better equipped to handle the pressures of a championship fight. As he and McLaren look to build on their 2025 constructors' success, Piastri's newly forged self-belief could be the decisive factor in pushing him from a near-miss to a future World Champion.