Piastri reveals personal development path to title-leading form

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Formula 1 World Championship leader Oscar Piastri has opened up about how he has evolved as a driver since claiming his maiden Grand Prix victory last season, crediting his surge in 2025 form to more consistent performances and a well-rounded approach to improvement.

The McLaren driver, who made his F1 debut in 2023, has enjoyed a rapid rise – from two podiums in his rookie year, to a breakthrough win at the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix, a second victory in Azerbaijan, and now six triumphs so far this season.

That success has given the Australian a nine-point advantage over teammate Lando Norris in the fierce title race between the two McLaren drivers.

During last weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, Piastri reflected on the progress made over the past 12 months.

“[I’ve been] developing a little bit in a lot of areas,” he explained, quoted by F1.com.

“Last year, I felt like I had some weekends that were very strong and felt like I had enough to win races on my good days. But there were a lot of average and sometimes bad days in between.

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“This year has been full of a lot more good days. I have improved as a driver, but I think I've been able to get closer to what I think I'm capable of more often.

“That's been the biggest thing. It's not come from one specific area. It's come from looking at lots of different things. Being able to execute what I think is my best more and more often, that's been the difference.”

The Championship Balancing Act

Now leading the standings heading into the second half of this year’s campaign, Piastri finds himself locked in a close battle with Norris for the world title. Asked what could decide the championship, the 24-year-old pointed to a familiar blend of speed and precision.

“The way you win races at the back end of the season is the same way as at the start,” he said. “You need to be faster than everyone around you and you need to make the least mistakes possible.

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“That aspect doesn't really change. Like I said, it's great to be consistent, but if you're consistently being beaten, that's not a recipe for a championship. It's a balancing act of both.

“Obviously, if you're a robot, you'd be able to be as fast as possible and make zero mistakes, but we're all humans, so that's not possible.

“There is going to be an element of minimising mistakes, but you need to be fast at the same time, and you can't afford to sit back. If you try to take that approach, you'll end up being beaten.”

With a tight points margin and half a season still to go, Piastri’s ability to keep delivering those “good days” could be what ultimately turns his championship lead into a first F1 title.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.