Oscar Piastri has concluded his 2025 Formula 1 campaign with a clear focus on the future, determined to recapture the dominant form that saw him lead the championship for much of the season. The McLaren driver secured second place in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a result that confirmed him as the third-place finisher in the final drivers’ standings, just 13 points behind his title-winning teammate.
Reflecting on a season of stark contrasts, the Australian acknowledged the unique highs and educational lows of his first genuine championship challenge at the sport’s pinnacle. He pointed to a mid-season phase where his performance felt “unstoppable,” building a significant points advantage. However, a difficult six-race stretch ultimately allowed his rival to close the gap and seize the initiative.
“When things were at their best, the feeling was incredible,” Piastri stated. “But you learn just as much, if not more, from the tougher moments. Fighting at the very front in Formula 1 adds another layer of pressure and experience. I’ve taken a lot from that, and it’s all valuable for what comes next.”
Despite the evident disappointment of falling short, Piastri expressed pride in his and the team’s overall progress compared to the previous year. He viewed the final races, which saw a return to competitive form, as a vital confidence boost heading into the off-season.
His teammate, newly crowned champion Lando Norris, paid a significant tribute to Piastri’s influence, crediting their intense intra-team battle for forcing his own development. “Having Oscar as a teammate has pushed me to levels I didn’t know I had,” Norris admitted. “He was often the benchmark, and beating him required digging deeper than ever. He’s an incredible talent, and these battles are only going to continue.”
With team leadership expressing strong belief in his championship potential, Piastri’s resolve is clear. He aims to channel the lessons of 2025 into a renewed challenge, intent on transforming the feeling of being unstoppable into a sustained reality for the seasons ahead.