Oscar Piastri’s ice-cold response when asked if he can be McLaren team leader ahead of Lando Norris

Oscar Piastri launched his 2025 Formula 1 title bid with victory at the Chinese Grand Prix last weekend. He took pole position for the first time in his career, and converted it with aplomb.

Piastri won the race by just under 10 seconds ahead of teammate Lando Norris, who held on to second place despite a late scare with his brakes. It was the largest winning margin in a dry Grand Prix since Norris beat Max Verstappen by 20.9 seconds in Singapore last year.

The Australian has closed the gap on his teammate to just 10 points after a heartbreaking season opener on home soil. Piastri was chasing Norris for the win when he spun out during a shower and dropped back to the field.

Given McLaren’s clear advantage over their competitors, an intra-team title battle this year is a strong possibility. And by outclassing Norris throughout the Shanghai weekend, Piastri showed he was ready to mount a challenge.

Oscar Piastri ‘wouldn’t have signed’ McLaren contract if he didn’t think he could beat Lando Norris

Piastri signed a new long-term contract at McLaren before the season started. Running until 2030, it may be the longest commitment on the grid.

It’s subsequently been reported that Piastri has an exit clause for 2027, but it’s unlikely that he actively plans to leave. Most drivers on the grid will insist on such provisions as a matter of caution.

Christian Horner wants to sign Piastri, but speaking to The Times, the 23-year-old confirmed that he didn’t consider any rival offers. He feels comfortable at McLaren and is confident in their long-term prospects.

“For me, other teams were never even really a consideration. McLaren, firstly from a car perspective, but also just a team environment perspective, is where I want to be. A lot of people would want to be here. I’m confident I can win with this team.

It was then put to Piastri that Norris is also on a long-term deal, so logically he must think he can become the McLaren team leader. His response was ‘steely’.

“If I wasn’t confident in that, then maybe I wouldn’t have signed this long contract,” he said.

Damon Hill summed up why so many F1 fans love Oscar Piastri

Helmut Marko questioned whether Piastri could handle pressure after his Australian GP error. But it’s worth remembering that Norris also went off the track in some of the trickiest conditions drivers are likely to encounter all season.

What’s more, Piastri is building as reputation as a driver with robotic composure. He reached Q3 at 23 out of 24 races last year and was the only driver to complete every racing lap, a sign that he hardly ever makes mistakes.

Shortly after qualifying in China, Damon Hill used two words to describe Piastri – ‘quiet confidence’. That shows why he’s become so popular since breaking into F1 in 2023.

Piastri is anything but arrogant, balancing humility with appropriate self-belief. He won the F2 and F3 titles on his ascent up the ladder and has justified the resulting hype at the highest level.