Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has no objections to the notion that McLaren’s Oscar Piastri has serious Formula 1 title credentials in 2025.
Piastri thwarted Verstappen’s challenge at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, beating the Dutchman and taking the lead of the Drivers’ standings.
The Australian, in just his third season, has opened his campaign with three pole positions and three Grand Prix victories to lead Lando Norris by 10 points, and Verstappen by 12.
Piastri is the first Aussie to lead the F1 title race since his manager Mark Webber in 2010, and following the action at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the Dutchman was asked to give his verdict on the newfound contender, who looks set to mount a serious challenge.
“People forget a little bit – last year was his second year,” Verstappen told select media, including Motorsport Week.
“Now he’s in his third year, and he’s very solid.”
Piastri exudes an icy coolness in his handling of F1 duties and Verstappen hailed this trait.
“He’s very calm in his approach, and I like that,” the Dutchman explained.
“It shows on track. He delivers when he has to, barely makes mistakes – and that’s what you need when you want to fight for a championship.
“And I think with Mark by his side, he’s helping him a lot. It’s great.
“People learn from their own careers – that’s what I had with my dad, and Mark is advising Oscar.
“At the end of the day, Oscar is using his talent, and that’s great to see.”
Piastri not thinking about the championship
Given that Piastri is now leading the championship, a newfound thing for him in F1 career, one could think his mindset could change.
Not a jot.
When asked whether things change now he has the target on his back, Piastri said: “No. I still want to go out and try and win every race I can.
“I’m not that bothered by the fact that I’m leading the championship, but I’m proud of the work and the reasons behind why we’re leading the championship.
“Melbourne wasn’t a great start to the year in terms of results. But from the moment I’ve hit the track this season, I felt like I’ve been in a good place.
“Leading the championship is a result of all the hard work we’ve done in the off-season, the hard work I’ve done personally, the hard work the team’s done.
“I’m more proud of all of those things than I am of the fact that I’m leading the championship because, ultimately, I want to be leading it after round 24, not round five.”
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