Piastri: Rules Out Verstappen in F1 2025 Title Race

Oscar Piastri has declared that Max Verstappen is no longer a contender for the 2025 Formula 1 drivers’ championship. Leading the standings, Piastri holds an 81-point advantage over Verstappen with 11 races remaining. Consequently, his main rival is McLaren teammate Lando Norris, who trails by 16 points.

Sportrik’s analysis highlights McLaren’s dominance, with 10 wins from 13 races this season, positioning them as favorites for both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles. Therefore, Piastri and Norris are the primary contenders. However, Piastri remains cautious of potential challenges from Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes.

Tight Battle with Norris

Piastri views the title fight as a duel between himself and Norris. “The last few weekends, it’s been Lando and me at the front,” he said. He added, “We’re in the best car, so Lando is naturally my closest rival.” Nevertheless, he acknowledges other teams could still pose a threat. Thus, his focus is on winning each race to extend his lead. In other words, Piastri aims to capitalize on McLaren’s strong performance to secure the championship.

Challenges at the Hungarian Grand Prix

Ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, the 14th round of the season, Piastri is optimistic yet vigilant. “Hungary has been a strong track for McLaren, especially in my two years here,” he noted, referencing his first Grand Prix win at Hungaroring in 2024. However, he cautioned that competitors have occasionally outperformed expectations. “Some tracks where we expected to dominate, rivals were closer. Others where we anticipated tight races, we pulled ahead,” he said. As a result, he expects McLaren to lead but anticipates fierce competition.

McLaren’s Prospects for the Season

With 11 races left, McLaren is well-placed to claim both titles. Piastri is determined to maintain his lead over Norris and sustain the team’s momentum. Moreover, threats from Verstappen, Ferrari, or Mercedes remain, particularly at specific tracks. Consequently, race strategy and car development will be pivotal. For more Formula 1 updates, visit Sportrik.