Webber Compares Piastri to Hamilton for 2025 Title Battle

Oscar Piastri's manager and former F1 driver, Mark Webber, has drawn a striking comparison between his protégé and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. As the 2025 F1 season heads into its final three Grands Prix, Piastri is locked in a fierce championship battle with McLaren teammate Lando Norris, a situation Webber sees as remarkably similar to Hamilton's early career title fights. Webber emphasizes the unprecedented nature of Piastri's rapid ascent, reaching title contention in just his third F1 season.

Why it matters:

• Unprecedented Rise: For a driver to contend for a world championship in their third F1 season is incredibly rare, marking Piastri as a generational talent alongside the likes of Hamilton.
• McLaren's Internal Battle: The championship fight between two McLaren drivers, Piastri and Norris, highlights the team's strong performance and the intense internal dynamics that could shape the future of both drivers.
• Webber's Unique Perspective: As both a former F1 title contender and Piastri's manager, Webber offers a rare insight into the pressures and opportunities facing a young driver at the pinnacle of the sport.

The details:

• Current Standings: With three Grands Prix and one sprint race remaining in the 2025 season, Piastri trails championship leader Lando Norris by 24 points.
• Season Trajectory: Piastri led the championship earlier in the season but has secured only one victory since the summer break (at the Dutch Grand Prix in August), losing his lead.
• Rapid Development: Piastri made his F1 debut in 2023, winning a sprint race in his rookie season and his maiden F1 Grand Prix in Hungary in 2024. Just one season later, in 2025, he was leading the world championship.
• Webber's Role: Webber, who fought for the 2010 world championship himself, now guides Piastri, offering both encouragement and a seasoned understanding of championship pressures.
  • He notes that being a manager in such a scenario is "nearly easier" than being in the car, as the manager has more control over the narrative and support, while the driver is solely focused on performance.
• Championship Scenario: To win the championship, Piastri needs to outscore Norris by eight points in each of the remaining three races and also defeat him in the Qatar sprint race.

The big picture:

This championship fight isn't just about Piastri; it's also about McLaren's resurgence. Having two drivers in a title battle is a testament to the team's engineering and strategic prowess. For Piastri, this early career opportunity is critical for establishing his legacy and potentially setting him on a path to multiple championships, much like the driver Webber compared him to.

What's next:

The upcoming triple-header, starting with the Las Vegas Grand Prix, will be crucial. Piastri's ability to manage pressure, deliver consistent performances, and potentially capitalize on any opportunities will determine if he can overturn the 24-point deficit to Norris. With Max Verstappen also a mere 25 points behind Piastri and claiming he has 'nothing to lose,' the final races promise a thrilling and unpredictable conclusion to the 2025 F1 season.