Oscar Piastri’s rising momentum proves he’s ready to challenge for the Formula 1 title, showcasing exceptional talent and determination.
Mark Webber has warned Formula 1 that Oscar Piastri will only get better, as he is “incredibly hungry” and far from reaching his full potential.
The former Red Bull driver also praised the extraordinary turnaround that saw McLaren secure their first Constructors’ title of the century in Abu Dhabi.
Webber now manages Piastri, who, alongside Lando Norris, has propelled McLaren from midfield contenders to the brink of glory within just seven months.
“It has been an extraordinary turnaround from one end of the grid to the other.”
“We are surprised by the performance. The team isn’t dominating yet, far from it, but the progress is impressive.”
Webber, a nine-time Grand Prix winner during his own F1 career, revealed a conversation he had with Piastri when the young Australian joined McLaren from Alpine in September 2022.
At the time, the Woking-based team was fifth in the Constructors’ standings, 600 points behind Red Bull, with no signs of competing for a first title since 1998 in the near future.
“I told Oscar the position was shocking, but the gap wasn’t. It’s a second and a half. If you start doing things right, the rate of progress on the grid can be quite impressive.”
“They certainly weren’t running the factory at its best. The new wind tunnel has been great, but it takes the right people, under Zak Brown and Andrea Stella’s leadership, to refine the structure, adjust positions, create new roles, and restore confidence in the organization.”
The team that finished fourth in 2023, still over 500 points behind Red Bull, ultimately claimed the title in the final round of 2024.
Since Miami, where Norris secured the first of his four victories, Piastri also won twice—in Hungary and Azerbaijan—and the duo shared 15 additional podium finishes.
“When Oscar joined McLaren, the team’s confidence… there were some tough moments at times. So, it was impressive for them to rebuild the foundations so brilliantly and so quickly.”
“Oscar has a bright future with them, no doubt about it. You’re not at your peak within the first 18 months of your career.”
“What we don’t know is how the trajectory will evolve. We don’t know when it will stabilize. There’s still a long way to go. He knows he still has a long road ahead.”
“It’s all about action—Oscar speaks on track. That’s his way, his style. Very reserved but incredibly hungry. It’s been that way since we’ve known him.”
When asked if he could end Max Verstappen’s hold on the drivers’ title this year, Webber adds: “Oscar will be ready. Of course, he will.”
“He’s already proving himself remarkably well. Looking ahead, that’s his goal; he wants to fight for it. He’s in great shape right now.”
“You can’t rest on your laurels, and he knows it. Someone could come out with an absolute rocket next year. It only takes one car for things to get very difficult. It could be McLaren; it could be someone else.”
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Oscar Piastri Proves His Mettle, Eyes Championship Glory Oscar Piastri Proves His Mettle, Eyes Championship Glory
