Will McLaren back Piastri early to chase the title?

Oscar Piastri’s consistency is pushing McLaren toward a critical choice if they want to stay in the fight for 2025 glory.

Johnny Herbert believes Oscar Piastri’s strong showing in Jeddah, particularly his ability to challenge Max Verstappen and force him into mistakes, could prompt McLaren F1 to back the Australian more strongly over Lando Norris.

“Oscar Piastri just proved he can outperform Max Verstappen,” said Herbert. “His mental strength, speed, consistency, and racecraft have been incredible this season. He carries himself so well and remains calm over the radio.”

Herbert added that Piastri is doing everything needed to fight for the championship this year. He highlighted the young driver’s mental toughness, comparing it to Verstappen’s, and credited Mark Webber for managing Piastri’s career so effectively.

“There is a real understanding and respect between Piastri and Webber,” Herbert continued. “It is clear this partnership is helping Oscar deliver at his best behind the wheel. Mark knows from his own tough experiences in F1 that you need the team fully behind you. Right now, it feels like McLaren is starting to lean more toward Piastri.”

Meanwhile, Herbert was less forgiving of Norris, pointing out the British driver’s recent mistakes.

“Unfortunately, Lando Norris has made too many errors,” Herbert said. “Qualifying in Saudi Arabia was a perfect example. It was unlucky in a way, but when you hit that kerb at that speed, it is game over.”

When asked if Norris was feeling the pressure, Herbert replied, “Of course, but every driver faces pressure. Some manage it better than others. I believe Lando can bounce back because he is very quick. Piastri has made only one major mistake this season, and that was in Melbourne when a sudden downpour caught him out mid-corner.”

Herbert warned that consistent mistakes could seriously damage Norris’s championship hopes, but he also acknowledged Norris’s strong recovery in Saudi Arabia, where he climbed from tenth to fourth.

“Still,” Herbert concluded, “last season taught us that a strong start is crucial if you want to be in the title fight.”

← Oliver Oakes: "I Get Grumpy When Results Fall Short" Could Verstappen Pause F1 Career to Pick Perfect Team? →

Share >

• Discover More>Oliver Oakes: “I Get Grumpy When Results Fall Short”
• Follow us on >FACEBOOK and >TWITTERfor F1 update

Will McLaren back Piastri early to chase the title?
Will McLaren back Piastri early to chase the title?