Despite this weekend's defeat, Max Verstappen really likes what Oscar Piastri is doing and how he's doing it. Perhaps he sees a little of himself in this story.
McLaren has clearly entered the fight for the individual world championship title this year, but while everyone expects this from Lando Norris, a third-place finisher could ultimately emerge victorious. Current defending champion Max Verstappen recognizes and knows this, speaking with unusual openness, without any psychological games, about his—by now, one might say—main rival:
"Oscar is doing a great job. Many tend to forget, but it's important to remember: 2024 was only his second season, 2025 his third, and yet he's still very strong. When necessary, he stays calm, delivers outstanding performances when needed, and makes almost no mistakes. That's how it should be done when the goal is the championship title!
Mark Webber is certainly helping him enormously, and that's a great thing. You can learn the most from your own career, and he's passing those experiences on to Oscar, as my father did with me. And Oscar Piastri is a good student; he learns the lessons and gets the job done! He's talented, smart, and not afraid to use his qualities. It's great to see that!" - explained Max Verstappen.
Photo: Getty Images / LAT Images
