Zak Brown declares Oscar Piastri a 'future World Champion'

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has labeled Oscar Piastri a "future World Champion" following the Australian's third-place finish in the 2025 title fight. Despite seeing teammate Lando Norris clinch the championship in a dramatic three-way battle, Brown expressed unwavering confidence in Piastri's ultimate potential, calling Formula 1 a "cruel sport" where both McLaren drivers "drove brilliantly."

Why it matters:

A team principal's public endorsement of a driver's championship credentials carries significant weight, especially within a team that just secured the Constructors' and Drivers' titles. Brown's declaration signals McLaren's long-term commitment to Piastri and positions him as a central pillar of the team's future, even after a season where he led the standings mid-year before his challenge faded.

The details:

• Piastri held a 34-point lead over Norris after the Dutch Grand Prix, appearing on course for a maiden title before his form gradually declined.
• A late-season resurgence wasn't enough to overhaul Norris, who won the championship by two points from Max Verstappen, with Piastri settling for third.
• Brown emphasized that both McLaren drivers won seven races each and supported each other throughout the intense campaign.
• Piastri himself reflected on 2025 as a season of major personal and professional growth, stating he learned "a hell of a lot" about himself as a driver and a person.

Looking ahead:

The focus for Piastri and McLaren now shifts to 2026 and the sweeping new chassis and engine regulations. The reset presents a prime opportunity for Piastri to apply the lessons from his 2025 title near-miss and mount a fresh championship charge. With Brown's backing and a competitive car, Piastri is poised to transition from a future champion in name to one in reality.