In his third season in Formula 1 with McLaren, Piastri has taken the lead of the championship from teammate Norris. Following a stunning victory at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri is the new championship leader with 99 points. Despite a disappointing start at his home race in Melbourne, the Melbourne-born driver has rebounded in spectacular fashion. He secured podium finishes at every race since, including two dominant wins.
This 2025 season, McLaren’s MCL39 has proven to be the fastest car on the grid. With a competitive machine and formidable driver pairing, McLaren is optimistic that Piastri or Norris will secure the championship title. Piastri, in particular, has emerged as a serious contender, combining consistency with precision, and rarely putting a foot wrong.
Hard work is the key to Piastri’s success
While the Australian is pleased to be leading the championship, he takes greater pride in his hard work.
“I mean I’m happy, but I think I’m more proud of the reasons why I’m leading the championship rather than the fact that I am leading the championship. I think it’s been a great start to the year,” he explained.
Piastri also reflected on the personal progress made since last season. He attributed much of his current form to focused off-season development.
“[I] worked on the things I wanted to work on from last season and it’s paying off. So, that’s what’s given me the most satisfaction at the moment.”
Consistency above all
Though he’s thrilled with his three victories so far, Piastri is most satisfied of his ability to consistently capitalize on every opportunity.
“Obviously it’s still super early in the championship and I want to be leading it after round 24, not round 5, but it’s a good start” Piastri pragmatically noted.
McLaren’s Piastri remains focused and level-headed about the road ahead. He acknowledged that there is more hard work to come to bring the championship title home.
“I still want to go out and try and win every race I can […] 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.”
With a powerful McLaren Racing car beneath him and an unwavering mindset, Oscar Piastri has all the tools to mount a serious title challenge this season—one grounded not just in raw talent, but in preparation, growth, and quiet determination.
