Tost: Verstappen Could Win in a Tractor, and Piastri Is Stronger Than Norris

F1 veteran Franz Tost backs Piastri over Norris and warns Leclerc must beat Hamilton to protect his status at Ferrari in 2025.

Franz Tost, a seasoned former Formula 1 team principal, believes Oscar Piastri could hold onto the championship lead through to the end of 2025.

When asked to name his ideal driver lineup for a hypothetical “Team Tost,” the ex-Toro Rosso boss didn’t hesitate.
“I’d always choose Max Verstappen. And from the rest, Oscar Piastri.”

Tost, whose F1 experience dates back to supporting Ralf Schumacher at Williams, had high praise for Verstappen.
“Max could win even in a tractor. Last year, he tested a Ferrari GT car and was instantly two seconds faster than everyone else. He has an extraordinary sense of speed, brilliant vision, incredible car control and instinct – no matter what he’s driving.”

“He can jump into any Formula 1 car and make it work right away. Of course, he’ll fine-tune it to suit his driving style, but he’s on another level. His raw speed is above everyone else, and mentally, he’s so strong that he can unlock that talent exactly when it matters. That’s what makes him exceptional.”

Now in only his third F1 season, 24-year-old Piastri has taken the lead in the championship after a solid performance in Jeddah, overtaking teammate Lando Norris. Many still view Norris as the quicker driver over one lap, but some are starting to question his mental resilience compared to Piastri’s calm and focused demeanor.

When asked if Verstappen can still fight back and claim a fifth consecutive world title this season, Tost pointed to upcoming upgrades.

“Red Bull is bringing a major upgrade to Imola. Hopefully, it works. If it doesn’t, McLaren could face the tricky situation of managing a title fight between Piastri and Norris – which is great news for the sport.”

“McLaren actually has a luxury problem. They’ve built the best car, they have two outstanding drivers, and their priority is to win the Constructors’ Championship. But at some point, they’ll have to manage the rivalry between them. And I believe Piastri will come out on top.”

“He’s naturally fast like Norris, but mentally he’s much stronger. That gives him a real shot at the title this year.”

Leclerc Must Outperform Hamilton

Tost also weighed in on another high-profile teammate battle set to unfold in 2025 – Lewis Hamilton, who turns 40, taking on Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.

“Leclerc still needs to become more consistent. But one thing is clear – if he wants to win races and a world championship, he has to beat Hamilton.”

“Without taking anything away from Lewis, Charles knows the team inside out, and the age gap plays in his favor. If Hamilton wins the duel, Leclerc loses some of his reputation. It’s the same situation for Norris against Piastri at McLaren.”

Hamilton is still adjusting to the Ferrari after years at Mercedes, but Tost believes the pressure is firmly on Leclerc.
“Can Hamilton afford to lose to his teammate? In Formula 1, you can never afford to lose. But the age difference is real, and that’s why Leclerc has to win. He’s on the right path.”

“Hamilton’s situation highlights just how complex Formula 1 really is. The margins are razor-thin – just hundredths of a second can change everything.”

“And those hundredths can quickly add up. Just look at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where Hamilton was losing time to Leclerc in every sector during practice.”

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Tost: Verstappen Could Win in a Tractor, and Piastri Is Stronger Than Norris Tost: Verstappen Could Win in a Tractor, and Piastri Is Stronger Than Norris