During the most recent episode of the Pit Talk podcast, racing driver Giacomo Altoè offered a thought-provoking perspective on one of the most hotly debated issues in Formula 1: how much of a difference does the driver actually make compared to the car? It is a question that resurfaces frequently, especially when the battle for the Formula 1 World Championship does not involve the most high-profile names on the grid.
When asked whether the 2025 Formula 1 title would ultimately go to Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri, Giacomo Altoè did not hesitate in giving his response:
“I’m really liking what I’m seeing from Oscar Piastri. He seems very solid, especially from a mental standpoint, and that could be the key difference when compared to Lando Norris. So my pick is Oscar.”
His preference for Oscar Piastri over Lando Norris was not only based on technical ability but also took into account the psychological strength of the Australian driver. In a fiercely contested championship, remaining calm and composed under pressure can be just as important as finding an extra tenth of a second per lap.
Supporting this view was an earlier comment by former Ferrari engineer Luigi Mazzola, which was also quoted during the episode. Mazzola stated: “Piastri is a bit more of a driver than Norris.” However, as noted by the podcast hosts, this remark seemed less like praise and more like a critique of both drivers’ development.
Meanwhile, legendary names like Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso—and even Charles Leclerc when it comes to raw natural talent—are still seen by many in the paddock as occupying a league of their own. For the two McLaren drivers, that level of excellence remains, for now, somewhat out of reach.
But the most direct and critical statement came from Giacomo Altoè himself:
“The problem in Formula 1 is that the car still makes far too much of a difference. That’s the real issue.”
This observation perfectly captures the current state of the sport, where even immense driver talent is often insufficient unless it is paired with a highly competitive car.
And that’s precisely where the conversation becomes more personal. Lando Norris is undoubtedly a fast and consistent racing driver, but he has never truly stood out during seasons when the McLaren team was not delivering a competitive car. He has rarely seemed capable of extracting game-changing performances from a midfield-level package. This is a trait often associated with drivers of extraordinary ability—most notably Max Verstappen, but also Charles Leclerc, who has shown the capacity to deliver exceptional results even when driving a Ferrari that was far from the best car on the grid.
Oscar Piastri, on the other hand, appears to possess all the tools needed to rise to the very top of the sport. His composure under pressure, methodical approach, and solid race pace are all attributes of a future Formula 1 champion. Crucially, he finds himself in the right team at the right moment. With more experience under his belt, Oscar Piastri could soon make that final leap. The signs of his potential are already visible, but only time will tell if he can convert that promise into championship-caliber performances.
In truth, the modern era of Formula 1 has a tendency to flatten the competitive landscape among drivers, largely because it is the car that continues to dictate outcomes. However, when a top-tier car like this year’s McLaren is available, it becomes easier to distinguish which driver has that special edge—the “X factor” that separates great drivers from good ones.
And in the eyes of Giacomo Altoè, between the two McLaren drivers currently fighting for supremacy, it is Oscar Piastri who possesses that little something extra.
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