The Formula One paddock is already abuzz with speculation and intrigue as the 2025 season approaches. Pre-season testing is always an opportunity for teams to gauge their progress, but it’s also a time when behind-the-scenes discussions reveal the mounting pressure on drivers. With major storylines shaping the grid, including Lewis Hamilton’s much-anticipated move to Ferrari and Red Bull’s continued dominance, the spotlight is also on the young talents looking to make their mark, including McLaren’s Oscar Piastri.
Piastri finds himself at the centre of renewed scrutiny as McLaren prepare for another competitive year. The Australian is under increasing pressure at McLaren as the 2025 Formula One season approaches. Former F1 driver Robert Doornbos has revealed that the British team expect Piastri to step up, and that the team is ‘unhappy’ with Norris’s younger team mate.
On the first day of pre-season testing, former Formula One drivers Robert Doornbos and Jack Plooij made their rounds of the paddock, speaking to key figures from various teams.
While catching up with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and his father Jos, they also had a revealing conversation with Mark Webber, the former F1 driver and current manager of Piastri. What they learned sheds light on McLaren’s expectations of the young Australian and the growing pressure on him to deliver in 2025.
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McLaren unhappy: Piastri has to improve in 2025
Despite a solid debut season, McLaren are said to be unhappy with Piastri’s results, particularly in qualifying where he has been comprehensively outperformed by Norris. This revelation emerged from a conversation Doornbos and Jack Plooij had with former F1 driver and Piastri’s manager, Mark Webber.
Piastri’s rookie season in 2023 was widely regarded as impressive, with the Australian claiming a sprint race victory and several podium finishes. However, his 2024 campaign saw him struggle to match Norris, particularly in qualifying where he was outscored 20-4. While McLaren still recognise Piastri’s potential, Doornbos has indicated that the team is pushing him to close the performance gap.
“We have heard that the pressure is on,” Doornbos told Ziggo Sport’s Wintertestjournaal.
“McLaren were not too happy with Oscar. He lost 20-4 to Lando Norris in qualifying.”
Although Piastri played a crucial role in McLaren’s runner-up finish in the Constructors’ Championship, the team clearly believe he has more to offer. As the battle for podiums and potential race wins intensifies, McLaren expect Piastri to step up his game, particularly in wheel-to-wheel battles and lap times.
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Doornbos and Plooij’s observations from the paddock
Doornbos and Plooij spent time in the Red Bull Racing garage on the first day of pre-season testing, where they spoke to Max Verstappen and his father, Jos Verstappen. The paddock was buzzing with anticipation, not only because of the return of on-track action, but also because of the major driver move that will shake up the grid in 2025 – Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari.
Hamilton’s debut in Ferrari colours was a high-profile one, with the seven-time world champion taking to the track in the morning session. The significance of his move was felt throughout the paddock, but amidst the focus on Ferrari, Doornbos and Plooij found themselves in a more revealing conversation with Webber regarding Piastri’s situation at McLaren.
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Webber’s perspective: ‘Piastri must deliver’
As Piastri’s manager, Webber has been a strong advocate of the young Australian’s career since orchestrating his move from Alpine to McLaren in 2023. However, his conversation with Doornbos suggested that McLaren are expecting more from Piastri next season.
“The young super talent needs to show why he has been given the opportunity at McLaren,” said Doornbos, reflecting on Webber’s comments.
While Piastri has already proven himself to be a composed and technically skilled driver, McLaren are looking for more than just consistency. With the possibility of challenging for race wins – and perhaps even the title in 2025 – Piastri needs to prove he can compete with Norris on a level playing field.
Although he may have had the better of his team-mate at times last season, Norris remains the clear favourite within the team and with the bookmakers for the upcoming championship battle.
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Piastri’s mentality: No need to change persona
Aside from his performance on the track, Piastri’s reserved demeanour has also been a topic of discussion. Unlike Norris, who is more expressive in his interactions with the media and fans, Piastri tends to maintain a calm and measured presence. This approach has been appreciated within McLaren, with the team encouraging him to remain true to himself.
“Mark said not to put on a mask. He should just be himself. He is just a bit more reserved,” said Doornbos.
Piastri’s personality contrasts with some of his more outgoing rivals, but McLaren seem to have no problem with his approach. What really counts is his performance on the track, and if he can live up to the team’s expectations, his quiet confidence will be seen as an asset rather than a liability.
Key season ahead for Piastri
As McLaren prepare for what could be one of their most competitive seasons in recent years, Piastri’s progress will be closely monitored. His ability to take the next step will not only determine his standing within the team, but could also shape his long-term future in F1.
The pressure is on, and with McLaren expecting results, Piastri must rise to the challenge. Whether he can turn the tide against Norris and establish himself as a genuine contender remains to be seen, but one thing is clear – 2025 will be a defining season for the young Australian.
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Misstatements like “Although Piastri played a crucial role in McLaren’s runner-up finish in the Constructors’ Championship” lead one to doubt the veracity of the entire article. Of course, Team Papaya won the Constructors Championship.
So often these articles are peppered with inaccuracies. Wonder if they are written by AI?
Interesting that Dutch reporters continually make up fanciful garbage to try and disrupt the paddock
Let’s get the facts straight, in today’s F1 with technology available 2024 was the year for Lando to get all the push for the title , mid quali lap there would have been a number or signal for Piastri to slow marginally.
Piastri was never ever going to beat Norris in qualifying period
This is very clearly AI generated. The constant repetition, lack of real substance, as well as clear errors like the statement that McLaren finished “runner up” in the Constructors. Disappointing.