In a season that has turned the established order of Formula 1 on its head, Oscar Piastri’s calm and calculated rise to the top of the drivers’ standings has stunned fans and seasoned observers of the sport alike. Among the latter is former F1 driver and current Formula1.com analyst Jolyon Palmer, who boldly places the young Australian ahead of four-time world champion Max Verstappen in terms of mental strength and driving ability.
Piastri, now in his second full season of Formula 1, is leading the 2025 World Championship after nine rounds. He has not only fended off his highly rated McLaren teammate Lando Norris, who is 10 points behind, but also a faltering Verstappen, who is now 49 points adrift of the leader. For Palmer, it’s not just the raw results that impress. It’s how Piastri is achieving them.
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From promise to poise
Reflecting on the 23-year-old’s breakthrough last season, Palmer notes that Piastri’s talent was already evident, with victories in Budapest and Baku, as well as a close second place finish in Monza. However, even then, Palmer did not anticipate how quickly the Australian would evolve from a race-winning prospect into a genuine title contender.
“We already saw Oscar Piastri’s ability to produce results last year,” writes Palmer. “His talent was obvious, yet I did not predict he would make such a big step this year and be the title favourite after the first third of the season.”
Palmer argues that this step forward lies in the details. While 2024 was characterised by moments of brilliance and sharp racecraft, 2025 has seen Piastri refine every aspect of his performance. He has made significant gains in qualifying pace, tyre management and the elusive art of race execution. Perhaps most strikingly, he has achieved this with a serene composure that few drivers, past or present, can match.
Colder than the Iceman?
In a sport that often rewards ruthless aggression and swagger, Piastri’s understated demeanour is beginning to redefine the look of a championship contender. Palmer sees this as a major differentiator.
“Oscar also seems to be the coolest driver in Formula 1, at least from what I can remember,” he writes. “Kimi Räikkönen was known as ‘The Iceman’, but I have seen him show more emotion than Oscar. That calmness is definitely a plus.”
This observation is echoed throughout the paddock: Piastri’s radio chatter is minimalist and his body language is devoid of the tension that affects even the most decorated drivers under pressure. He may not yet have faced the intense final stages of a championship, but Palmer believes the early signs are exceptional.
A contrast in champions
Palmer doesn’t stop there. In one of his most striking comparisons, the British commentator contrasts Piastri’s measured precision with the visible frustration that has begun to creep into Verstappen’s driving.
“I haven’t seen him make any mistakes under pressure, nor do I see him wasting points through frustration, as Verstappen did last Sunday,” notes Palmer, alluding to the clash between Verstappen and George Russell in Spain — an incident that earned the Dutchman a time penalty and points on his super licence.
While Palmer acknowledges that Piastri hasn’t been flawless, citing wet weather misfortune in Melbourne, a poor start in Imola and a scrappy performance in Monaco, he emphasises that these moments have not affected the Australian’s confidence or consistency. In contrast, Verstappen’s temperament has increasingly appeared brittle when the tide turns against him.
A different kind of title fight
Palmer’s assessment isn’t just about skill or speed — it’s about evolution. In his view, Piastri has the rare ability to address weaknesses mid-season and emerge stronger. This, rather than any statistical metric, is the true hallmark of a champion.
“In a season where he has turned his weaknesses into his greatest strengths, Oscar definitely has the profile of a champion,” says Palmer.
This adds weight to the growing idea that Formula 1 may be witnessing a generational shift. Piastri, who is still only 23, is set to become the first Australian Formula 1 champion since Alan Jones in 1980 — a long-awaited achievement for fans Down Under following the near-misses of Mark Webber and Daniel Ricciardo.
However, this moment may represent more than just a national milestone; it may also signal a broader changing of the guard. Verstappen has defined the last four years of Formula 1 with a relentless blend of pace and aggression. However, in 2025, this approach appears to be faltering under pressure, and Piastri’s quiet, surgical precision is emerging as the antidote.
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Sceptics might argue that it is too soon to compare Piastri with a driver who has achieved 59 career wins and four world championships. However, Palmer insists that the comparison is not about past accolades, but about current form and how each driver responds to the high-stakes challenge of the new season.
“Verstappen’s brilliance is unquestioned, but we are seeing a new dynamic,” he explains. “Oscar isn’t just winning — he’s doing so without the chaos. That counts for something.”
Indeed, Verstappen’s frustrations have boiled over on several occasions this year, both on and off the track. There has been internal tension within the Red Bull camp since the start of 2024, and while the RB21 is still a potent machine, it’s no longer invincible. McLaren — and Piastri in particular — have demonstrated that consistent performance and mental strength can be just as effective as aggressive driving.
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Looking ahead
With 15 races still to go, the title fight remains wide open. Norris continues to apply pressure within McLaren, and Verstappen is still in with a chance, particularly if Red Bull finds a second wind in the European summer. However, if Piastri can maintain this trajectory, Palmer believes that he will not only become world champion, but also set the standard for the next generation of elite Formula 1 drivers.
“Everything I’ve seen so far suggests he’s the real deal,” Palmer concludes. “This isn’t hype. It’s happening.”
If it continues, Verstappen may soon find himself in a role he hasn’t experienced since his teenage debut — chasing a younger, calmer and potentially more accomplished rival to the top of the sport.
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This is his 3rd full season, not 2nd