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The 2025 Formula 1 season has unleashed a thrilling title battle, but according to former driver and pundit Johnny Herbert, one rising star possesses the rare blend of skill and mental fortitude to dethrone Max Verstappen. While Verstappen’s dominance has defined recent years, Herbert’s spotlight now shines on McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, whose meteoric rise has positioned him as a legitimate threat to Red Bull’s reign.
With three wins in the first five races, the Australian prodigy isn’t just chasing points—he’s rewriting the playbook on how to challenge F1’s reigning king.
Johnny Herbert’s praise for Oscar Piastri
Johnny Herbert, a seasoned F1 analyst, didn’t hold back when assessing Piastri’s championship credentials.
“Oscar has shown he’s able to outwit Max Verstappen,” Herbert declared, emphasizing the 23-year-old’s composure under pressure. “His mental strength, speed, and racecraft have been extraordinary. He’s calm on the radio, consistent on track—everything you need to win a title.”
Herbert drew direct parallels between Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen, noting both share an unshakable focus that separates champions from contenders. While Piastri’s 2025 campaign hit a snag with a rain-induced crash in Melbourne, Herbert dismissed it as bad luck rather than a flaw.
“The downpour caught him out, but his resilience since proves he’s built for this fight,” he added.
The analyst also credited Piastri’s synergy with manager Mark Webber, a former F1 driver whose mentorship has sharpened the young gun’s strategic edge.
“Webber’s experience in high-pressure battles has been pivotal. McLaren seems to be rallying behind Oscar, and that trust is paying off.”
Lando Norris’ struggles: A costly contrast
While Piastri soars, teammate Lando Norris faces scrutiny. Despite winning the season opener, Norris has faltered under the weight of unforced errors. Herbert pinpointed qualifying mishaps, like his Saudi Arabia crash, as evidence of mounting pressure.
“Lando’s mistakes are hurting his title bid,” Herbert acknowledged. “That curb incident was avoidable—it’s the kind of lapse that derails championships.”
Yet Herbert refused to count Norris out. “He’s lightning-fast. Starting tenth and finishing fourth in Jeddah shows his fight. But consistency separates contenders from champions, and right now, Oscar has the edge.”
The Max Verstappen Factor: Can Piastri sustain the challenge?
Verstappen remains the benchmark, but Piastri’s 2025 form suggests a shifting dynamic. The Aussie’s three wins—compared to Verstappen’s two—highlight his ability to capitalize on Red Bull’s rare slip-ups. Herbert argues Piastri’s cerebral approach mirrors Max Verstappen’s early career: calculating, adaptable, and ruthlessly efficient.
“It’s not about perfection,” Herbert stressed. “It’s about recovery. Oscar’s bounced back from setbacks faster than anyone expected. That’s championship mentality.”
McLaren’s upgrades have also leveled the playing field. Their MCL60, now a match for Red Bull’s RB21 in high-speed corners, grants Oscar Piastri the tools to exploit Verstappen’s occasional frustration with car balance.
The Championship Outlook: Piastri’s Moment to Seize
With 16 races remaining, Herbert believes Piastri’s strong start is pivotal. “Early momentum sets the tone. Oscar’s maximized every opportunity, while Max and Lando are playing catch-up.”
But challenges loom. Max Verstappen’s relentless racecraft and Red Bull’s strategic mastery remain formidable. Meanwhile, Norris’s raw speed ensures he’s never far from contention. For Piastri, maintaining focus amid escalating pressure will define his season.
Piastri’s ascent isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s a signal of F1’s evolving hierarchy. As Herbert concludes,
“We’re witnessing a generational shift. Oscar’s blend of youth and wisdom could redefine what it takes to beat Verstappen.”
Whether Oscar Piastri can sustain this charge remains uncertain, but one truth is clear: The 2025 title race just got a lot more intriguing.
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