In an unexpected twist at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Oscar Piastri emerged as the frontrunner for the 2025 F1 World Championship. The Australian driver claimed this position despite a collision with his teammate, Lando Norris, which seemed to mark a pivotal shift in the title race, according to former champion Nico Rosberg.
As tensions ran high in Canada, the spotlight was on the battle for podium positions involving George Russell, Max Verstappen, and Kimi Antonelli. Meanwhile, McLaren teammates Piastri and Norris were locked in a fierce contest for fourth place. On Lap 66, Norris made an aggressive move at Turn 10, only to lose control and crash into Piastri’s rear wheel, damaging his own car irreparably as he skidded into the pit wall. While Norris was forced to retire, Piastri managed to finish fourth after a swift tire change under the Safety Car.
The mishap significantly damaged Norris’s championship aspirations, placing him 22 points behind Piastri. Nico Rosberg, the 2016 World Champion, highlighted this incident as a crucial moment in the championship. He expressed for the first time that Piastri is now the likely winner. Rosberg noted Piastri’s consistent performance, minimal errors, and his composed nature as significant factors in this title battle. ‘Oscar is just so strong,’ Rosberg stated, acknowledging Piastri’s ability to maintain focus under pressure.
Piastri’s demeanor, both on and off the track, further cements his champion potential. Despite the intense competition, Piastri remains unshaken. As per Mark Webber, Piastri’s manager, whether he finishes first or fifth, the driver handles the situation with calm and composure, demonstrating a level-headed approach.
Even with his new standing as a championship favorite, Piastri remains pragmatic. He addressed the media in Montreal, acknowledging the close points margin and the long season ahead. ‘It’s not how I want to build the margin,’ he admitted, pointing out areas for improvement. ‘We need to be stronger,’ he asserted, indicating that both he and the team are focused on maintaining their competitive edge.
In the world of Formula 1, fortunes can change in an instant, as demonstrated by Oscar Piastri’s rise to championship favorite status. The accident with Norris may have altered the title race landscape, but Piastri’s composure and consistency make him a strong contender for the rest of the season. As the races continue, all eyes will be on whether he can sustain this newfound momentum.
