Oscar Piastri has expressed that his conviction in his abilities has grown, despite blowing a commanding lead and missing out on the Formula 1 title in 2025.
Piastri concluded the campaign third in the Drivers’ Championship, behind Max Verstappen and McLaren team-mate Lando Norris, who topped the standings.
But while it was Norris who triumphed in the end, Piastri had been the one who had appeared destined to cement a McLaren title double earlier in the season.
The Australian led the championship at more rounds than Norris, and even had a 34-point gap with nine races to go when his team-mate retired at Zandvoort.
However, a drastic collapse in form saw Piastri go the next six races without a single trip to the podium, enabling both Norris and Verstappen to overtake him.
Despite spurning a golden chance to be crowned World Champion, though, Piastri viewed his third season in the sport as one that contained several positives.
“There were so many parts of the season that were successful, and so many parts of the season that I look back on with great memories,” Piastri told 7Sport.
“The amount of confidence that I found throughout the year, in myself and my own abilities, is something I can take forever.
“Definitely some things to work on, and [there were] a few moments that I probably wish I had again, and I’m sure the team think the same.
“But it’s all going to make me stronger for the future, and we’ve got plenty more years of success to come, hopefully.”
Piastri acknowledges increased global support
Piastri has recognised that his status as a championship contender in the past campaign contributed to the heightened support that he received outside Australia.
“For the European part of the season, there are maybe not quite as many [fans],” he acknowledged. “But the Aussies that are there make their support felt.
“We’re not always the biggest crowd, but we’re normally the loudest, so it’s always great to feel that.
“There are a few races a bit closer to home, Singapore, for example.
“For me, the amount of support and the amount of fans that I gained through the year that I could see in the grandstands was really, really special. So hopefully that trend continues.”
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