When F1 fans speculated about Max Verstappen’s future main rival, many pointed to Lando Norris as the obvious candidate. But so far in the 2025 season, it is Oscar Piastri who has emerged as a real contender. With a series of commanding performances, the Australian has not only led the field, but has also caught the attention and respect of Verstappen himself, who is now openly suggesting that Piastri could be his true successor at the pinnacle of F1.
Through the first five Grands Prix of the 2025 season, Oscar Piastri has put in a series of performances that have had fans and paddock insiders buzzing.
Victories in Bahrain, China and most recently Saudi Arabia have taken Piastri’s tally to three wins from five races. It’s a run of form that has propelled him to the top of the Drivers’ Championship with 99 points, ahead of McLaren teammate Lando Norris on 89 and Verstappen himself, currently third on 87.
Oscar Piastri’s rapid rise
Piastri’s consistent excellence has prompted a re-evaluation of the season’s narrative. While Norris was long seen as the natural challenger after a strong 2024 campaign, it is Piastri who has emerged as the man to beat. Calm under pressure, precise on track and mature beyond his years, the young Australian is now firmly in the spotlight – and he has the backing of the reigning king of F1.
Max Verstappen’s praise for Piastri Speaking after Piastri’s win in Saudi Arabia, Verstappen was clear in his admiration for the McLaren driver.
“People forget that last year was his second season,” Verstappen told Sky Sports. “He’s in his third year now and he’s really strong. He’s very calm in his approach and I like that. You can see that on the track. He’s there when he needs to be, he doesn’t make many mistakes and that’s what you need if you want to fight for the title.”
It is not often that we hear such glowing praise from Verstappen, known for his fierce competitiveness and outspoken opinions. His words are a significant endorsement, signalling that he sees Piastri not just as a rival, but as a worthy one – a driver with the qualities to carry the mantle at the top of the sport.
What it takes to become champion
Verstappen’s comments also reflect his understanding of what it takes to become a world champion. Having secured four consecutive titles between 2021 and 2024, the Dutchman knows better than most that raw speed is only part of the equation.
Consistency, focus and minimising mistakes are the keys to a championship-winning campaign, and Verstappen sees these traits in abundance in Piastri.
Verstappen was also quick to highlight the influence of Mark Webber, the former Red Bull driver who now manages Piastri’s career.
“I think with Mark at his side he has someone who helps him a lot. It’s great,” said Verstappen. “You learn from your own career, that’s what I experienced with my father, and here it’s Mark advising Oscar. In the end, Oscar uses his talent and it’s great to see.”
Webber’s role cannot be overstated. Having experienced the rigours of a long and successful F1 career himself, Webber brings a wealth of experience and perspective to Piastri’s corner.
Much like Jos Verstappen’s influence on his son’s career, Webber’s mentorship provides Piastri with guidance that extends beyond the technical aspects of racing to the mental and strategic demands of competing at the highest level.
Webber’s steady hand and understanding of the pressures of top-level competition are undoubtedly factors in Piastri’s calm approach. It is a relationship that reflects the mentor-protégé dynamic that has been so crucial to the careers of many champions before him.
“Privileged” claims Hamilton close friend
McLaren’s dynamics shifting?
With Piastri now at the helm of the championship, the dynamics of the 2025 season are shifting. McLaren’s resurgence, which culminated in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship, has continued unabated, and the team now faces a fascinating internal battle between Norris and Piastri. While Norris was expected to be the figurehead of McLaren’s title challenge, Piastri’s early season dominance has complicated that narrative.
Meanwhile, Verstappen, while still a force to be reckoned with, is facing a new kind of pressure. After years of supremacy, he is now chasing rather than leading and must find a way to regain ground against a younger, faster rising rival. It is a challenge that could define the next chapter of his illustrious career.
The development has also brought a new sense of excitement to Formula 1. After a period in which Verstappen’s dominance sometimes seemed unassailable, Piastri’s emergence offers the promise of a genuine title fight – a head-to-head battle between the established champion and a hungry new contender.
Inevitable tension
The bigger picture for McLaren and F1 For McLaren, the situation is both a dream and a dilemma. Having two drivers capable of winning races and challenging for the championship is the hallmark of a great team, but managing the inevitable tension that comes with such a scenario will be a critical test. Team Principal Andrea Stella faces a delicate balancing act: ensuring that both drivers feel supported, while avoiding internal conflict that could jeopardise the team’s wider goals.
For Formula One as a whole, Piastri’s rise is another sign of the sport’s healthy generational renewal. With Verstappen, Norris, Piastri and others such as Charles Leclerc and George Russell all in or approaching their prime, the grid is as competitive as it has been for years. The mix of established stars and emerging talent ensures that the future of F1 remains bright, unpredictable and exciting.
Looking ahead
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the championship battle. Can Piastri maintain his form under the intense scrutiny and pressure that comes with leading the standings? Will Verstappen’s experience and relentless drive take him back to the top? And where does Lando Norris fit into this increasingly complex picture?
What is clear is that Max Verstappen sees Oscar Piastri as a worthy heir to the throne – a driver who has not only the speed but also the mentality to succeed at the highest level. In so openly acknowledging Piastri’s qualities, Verstappen has done more than pay tribute; he has issued a challenge, a passing of the torch that Piastri will now seek to grasp with both hands.
The 2025 season is shaping up to be a classic, and at its heart is the fascinating story of a champion recognising the emergence of his possible successor. For fans around the world, it promises drama, rivalry and racing at its best.
Brundle’s behind the scenes influence on FIA swearing ban
MORE F1 NEWS – F1 supremo identifies HUGE shift in F1 goals
Formula One is celebrating its 75th year in 2025 and is reaching historic numbers in terms of its audience from all around the world – or so we are led to believe. The Netflix factor from the popular series ‘Drive to survive’ is cited by many as the turning point in the fortunes of the sport yet behind the scenes there’s a shift in the force – not for the better – detected by the more dinosaur-esque fans of the sport.
Netflix is credited with having performed miracles for F1 in terms of cracking the USA – something Bernie Ecclestone wished to achieve for decades – together with rejuvenating the fan base which has led to a host of new sponsors and partners clamouring to have their names associated with the sport.
Much of the ‘cracking America’ talk is mere hype and based on a pole published in 2022 which stated 28% of Americans are now F1 fans. Clearly this is utter rubbish, given this would mean some 72 million US citizens would be tuning in come race day on Sunday….. READ MORE ON THIS STORY
The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
Point of correction. Piastri is not faster than Verstappen. He has the faster car. He is not faster than Norris either. Norris makes needless mistakes.
My reading of the article failed to see the author state Piastri was faster than Verstappen.
What was clearly stated was the collection of attributes that Piastri has in his possession
to potentially challenge for the championship…..As admitted by Max Verstappen himself.