Oscar Piastri has got off to a flying start to the 2025 Formula 1 season, taking three victories and leading the championship heading into the sixth round.
The McLaren driver has quietly emerged as a title contender, having shown that he is superior to Lando Norris in the races.
Norris has been struggling with the MCL39, which the team largely puts down to a driving trait that makes it harder for the Briton to make his tyres last the same time as Piastri.
It is also what has led to more mistakes from Norris, who has struggled for consistency in qualifying sessions compared to his teammate. Qualifying has become crucial in 2025, as the return of F1’s dirty air has proven problematic for drivers to make progress in the races.
Piastri has recognised this and worked hard to maximise his car for the races, while also having the benefit of his support network. Former F1 driver Mark Webber is part of this, but journalist Tom Clarkson has also highlighted another ‘positive influence’ in his team when speaking on the F1 Nation podcast.
Oscar Piastri’s new physio having ‘hugely positive impact’ on him
Each F1 driver will have a physiotherapist who helps them with recovery and training, and will be beside them for most of the race weekends.
Lewis Hamilton has brought back Angela Cullen at Ferrari having worked with her at Mercedes, while Piastri is now working with a new physio for 2025.
“He’s got a new physio this year, Arthur, who is a Finn; he’s worked in the NFL. He’s incredibly quiet, totally focused on Oscar, lives in the flats next door to him in Monaco,” said Clarkson.
“He’s had a hugely positive influence on Oscar. Those two things just are making him an irrepressible force this year.”
Oscar Piastri becomes title favourite after three victories
Piastri has now become the favourite to take the title in 2025 after winning three of the first five races of the season, and having looked more convincing than Norris.
McLaren was prepared for an intra-team battle given how they are the benchmark for the competition, and have needed to use team orders on occasion.
Norris could face more problems at the Spanish GP when the new FIA rules on flexible front wings come into effect, as this is part of what helps him with his car balance.
Max Verstappen could also be impacted by the rule change, which will see the minimum amount of flex in the load tests reduced from 15mm to 10mm for front wings.
