Oscar Piastri: go big or go home

After his recent less-than-stellar performances, the title may seem out of reach for Oscar Piastri, but the Australian has always brought his best at Losail.

A championship on the edge

The 2025 Formula 1 season is approaching its climax. The three drivers still in contention for the title are separated by just 24 points following the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which saw Max Verstappen take the victory and the disqualification of McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The outcome of the recent race allowed Max to halve his gap to championship leader Norris, now matching Oscar Piastri’s points tally.

The media largely assume the title fight will be between Max and Lando, especially given Oscar’s recent dip in performance. From team orders at Monza to Vegas, the Australian has struggled to replicate the strong form he showed at the start of the year. In particular, he has been missing a key trait that has always defined him: composure under pressure.

“Iceman 2.0” under pressure

Earlier this season, the media—especially in Italy—nicknamed him “Iceman 2.0,” a moniker earned through his calm demeanor during celebrations, on-track battles, and interviews. Whether due to psychological pressure or limited feeling with his MCL39, Oscar has lost the edge that made him nearly invincible up to Zandvoort. As a result, many now consider him the least likely of the three contenders to win the title.

Oscar Piastri’s home track advantage

However, this weekend’s race takes place in Qatar, a circuit where the papaya-colored McLarens have historically been very competitive. In 2023, as a rookie, Oscar demonstrated his F1 talent by winning the sprint race and finishing on the podium in the main race, beating Lando Norris and remaining ahead throughout the weekend.

In 2024, the performance gap between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri was closer, but the “papaya rules” allowed Oscar to once again win the sprint race at Losail. On Sunday, McLaren’s strategy faltered, yet Oscar still reached the podium ahead of the more experienced Norris. Considering these past results, he still has a wild card to play this season, and he may even hold an ace up his sleeve.

Less expectation, less pressure, more performance?

Psychological pressure has been a major factor affecting Oscar’s confidence in recent rounds. Norris experienced similar anxiety last season, which prevented him from securing the title, showing that this is a common challenge for top drivers. With less scrutiny on Oscar Piastri this weekend, he could regain his early-season speed.

The combination of a favorable circuit and the freedom of being an underdog might allow him to rediscover his rhythm. At this stage of the championship, any mistake could be fatal for final standings. With fewer eyes on the number 81 and more focus on Lando and Max, the dynamics between these three outstanding drivers could shift once again. The odds may be low, but with such a tight championship, nothing is impossible. The 2025 season has never been more intense.

Qatar could be where the quiet Australian reminds the world he’s still very much in this fight.