Home
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has expressed confidence in Oscar Piastri’s potential to become the 2025 Formula 1 World Champion. Steiner believes the Australian driver possesses the skill and determination required to secure the title in the pinnacle of motorsport.
Having showcased his immense talent in just his second season in F1, Piastri claimed two victories last year while racing alongside Lando Norris at McLaren. His impressive performances have convinced Steiner that the young Australian has a realistic shot at the championship in the upcoming season.
Piastri also benefits from the guidance of his manager, Mark Webber, a former Red Bull Racing driver. According to Steiner, Webber’s experience and mentorship could play a crucial role in helping Piastri reach the pinnacle of Formula 1 success.
Steiner on Piastri’s Championship Prospects
In an interview with CNN, Steiner was asked whether Piastri could emerge as a world champion. He responded affirmatively: “He can be. As I said, you always need to be in the right car. But at the moment, he could already be a contender this year. I said it before—if he starts off well and gets into a rhythm, anything is possible."
Although Steiner admitted that he does not know Piastri personally, he highlighted the influence of Webber: “I know Mark Webber, who coaches him. That’s very important because Mark can teach Oscar from his own mistakes—the ones he shouldn’t be making. Mark has been there, done that, and can guide Oscar to avoid the pitfalls he faced.”
Webber’s Influence on Piastri’s Career
Steiner emphasized the advantages of having a mentor like Webber, who can provide invaluable advice to the young driver. “It’s the best teacher to have,” he explained. “Mark can say, ‘Hey, let’s take a shortcut here. Don’t do this because I did it and got it wrong.’”
As Piastri’s compatriot, Webber accumulated extensive experience throughout his F1 career. Although he never clinched the world title, he secured nine Grand Prix victories and competed at the highest level from 2002 to 2013. His career spanned stints with Minardi, Jaguar, Williams, and a six-year tenure at Red Bull Racing.
A Championship Bid in the Making?
With McLaren’s continued progress and Piastri’s rapid development, Steiner’s belief in the young driver’s potential is not unfounded. If Piastri can maintain consistency and maximize his opportunities, 2025 could see the rise of a new Australian World Champion in Formula 1.
