Since the start of the 2025 Formula 1 season, the two main contenders for the world championship have been the McLaren teammates, with Oscar Piastri maintaining a narrow advantage. At the moment, Lando Norris continues to chase his Australian teammate, who holds a 22-point lead in the standings. Just behind the British driver sits Max Verstappen, who could still pose a threat to the Woking-based team, even if the gap is not yet dangerously small. Piastri, who arrived in Italy with a 35-point advantage over Norris, now finds himself defending the top spot in the championship, with several recent races allowing Norris to claw back valuable points.
Is Oscar Piastri really the new Iceman?
Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert has commented on Oscar Piastri’s recent performances, noting that the young Australian has finished behind his teammate in the last three Grands Prix. According to Johnny Herbert, Piastri — who impressed early in the season for his composure and mental strength — is now showing signs of pressure as the internal rivalry with Lando Norris heats up.
“We’re seeing those tiny little cracks appearing under pressure from Oscar because of all his comments,” Johnny Herbert explained. “The Oscar Piastri everyone was talking about at the start of the season doesn’t seem to be there anymore. When the pressure builds during a championship fight, it’s the driver with the stronger mindset who manages to put aside a bad result — like Oscar’s in Singapore — and approach the next race positively. Right now, those small things that have started to show in him are creating negativity. He needs to get rid of all that negative stuff.”
How McLaren is managing the rivalry
Johnny Herbert also suggested that McLaren’s handling of the rivalry between its two drivers has not always been ideal. “McLaren tries to be as fair as possible,” he said. “Sometimes they’re too ‘by the book.’ I don’t like that, because when you’re in the cockpit, you’re on your own. You’re there to race for yourself. Selfishness has to be part of your toolkit to win races — and, ultimately, to win the World Championship.”
Herbert believes both drivers must be allowed to compete freely while maintaining respect on track. “This could be the only chance for Oscar and Lando to win the World Championship in the next two years,” he added. “The team has to let them go for it. But they must play all the games possible — clean games, not pushing anyone into the wall — while showing that they are mentally stronger, faster, and more talented.”
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