No Limits: Piastri Eyes F1 Glory in 2025

Oscar Piastri is setting his sights on the ultimate prize in Formula 1, believing anything less than a title fight is unacceptable.

Oscar Piastri also mentioned “new innovations” (as Andrea Stella did, read here) on McLaren’s 2025 Formula 1 car, admitting they have “not stood still.”

The MCL39 was unveiled at Silverstone during a filming day, with the new car featuring a camouflage livery. Lando Norris was the first to take to the track before handing over to Piastri.

Overall, McLaren had the fastest car in the second half of the 2024 season. However, Piastri hinted that McLaren is pushing technical boundaries with its new car.

“Obviously, we are following the same technical regulations this year. But we have not stood still. There are differences, new innovations on this car, and that is what needs to be done to try to stay at the top. We have seen in the past that when it wasn’t us, other teams were constantly adding new things to their cars, not standing still either.”

“I also think that last season, we gained the upper hand in the Constructors’ Championship, but it was so close throughout the year that we really can’t afford to stand still. Many teams are waiting for their chance to try to overtake us.”

Although Piastri managed to win two races in 2024, he was not quite able to match his teammate consistently throughout the year. Unlike in his 2023 season, Piastri’s qualifying pace was underwhelming, beating Norris only four times last year.

“We have talked a lot about how we can better prepare for this season and some of the more specific driving opportunities. I said at the end of last season that qualifying was something I wanted to work on, but after reviewing a lot of details and aspects, it’s not just about qualifying better. There are specific things I can improve that will enhance everything. Then, you gain confidence, and everything naturally falls into place. We have identified certain opportunities, and if I can work on those, hopefully, those weekends from last season will disappear.”

“You can always start working on these things in the simulator and build the right habits. I think the opportunities I have are things that can be worked on in the simulator.”

“I also think I had a lot of strengths last year. In races especially, I had to fight for many of my finishes, and in many cases, I had to improve on my starting position. That aspect of racing can’t really be worked on in simulation.”

“I’m happy with a lot of things I did last season, but we can already start working on some of these opportunities now.”

Piastri has only one goal heading into the new season: fighting for the title.

“I hope so. I believe I can become world champion this year. I’m certainly approaching this season with the mindset and preparation to try to fight for a championship and to compete for both championships.”

“With the success we had last year, it would be foolish to set ourselves up for anything less. We know we’re going to face a lot of competition this season. We proved last year that we are a team to be reckoned with.”

“The preparation is definitely being done with this championship in mind. We will see how we perform at the start of the season, but everything is certainly in place for us to fight for it.”

Aside from qualifying, has he worked on his weaknesses as promised this winter?

“I feel that 12 months ago, I was heading into the season with some weaknesses I wasn’t particularly confident about. Over the course of last season, I managed to correct them. Now, it’s about addressing them every weekend and making sure I perform at my best each time—that’s what will make the difference.”

“I’m confident, and I think we still have things to work on. I’m certainly not the finished product, but I don’t think anyone really is. If we can focus on some of the areas we planned to improve during this off-season, then I’ll have plenty of tools to try to make it happen.”

And he is convinced that McLaren will give him his chance if he proves himself worthy.

“We are going to fight from the start. We’re both starting from zero—Lando and I as well. As I’ve said, I want to win the world championship this year, and I hope we have a car capable of doing that from the outset.”

“We’ll be able to fight each other, and we’ve shown that we can race hard but fair. As long as we’re not taking points away from the team, everything is fine.”