McLaren are locked in a fierce battle for the 2025 Formula 1 drivers’ championship, with Oscar Piastri predicting a close contest against teammate Lando Norris.
Following a commanding victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix, Piastri has narrowed the gap to just three points behind Norris, who leads with 77 points after four races.
The Australian’s second win of the campaign in Sakhir showcased McLaren’s pace, as he secured pole position and controlled the race from start to finish.
Norris, however, struggled, qualifying sixth and fighting back to third after a challenging evening at the Bahrain International Circuit.
Despite the result, McLaren remain firmly in contention, with Piastri on 74 points, trailed by Red Bulls’ Max Verstappen on 69 and Mercedes’ George Russell on 63.
Piastri, 24, cautioned that the championship fight extends beyond McLaren’s duo. “It’s going to be a tight battle,” he said to reporters. “There are other contenders. We’ve not seen a consistent challenger every week. It’s been different drivers stepping up, which shakes things up for the championship.”
Reflecting on his rivalry with Norris, Piastri dismissed suggestions that Bahrain marked its beginning. “I thought it started from Melbourne, to be honest,” he said, referencing the season’s opening race.
“It’s still early. We’ve got a great car, and we’re making the most of it. As long as we keep performing, we’re where we should be.”
McLaren’s dominance stems from their car’s versatility, but Piastri acknowledged the threat from Red Bull and Mercedes, who remain within striking distance.
Verstappen’s sixth-place finish in Bahrain opened the door for McLaren to capitalize, but Piastri expects a response from their rivals.
The championship battle resumes at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where drivers will tackle 50 laps of the 6.174-kilometer Jeddah Corniche Circuit on April 20. With McLarens setting the pace, Formula 1 fans are braced for another thrilling showdown.
