An analysis of Oscar Piastri's racing style in Formula 1
Oscar Piastri is the start of the 2025 season. The Aussie became the first driver from his country to lead the championship after 15 years. Piastri, who is Mark Webber’s protege, has been developing his skills in a terrifying manner. His results have already put him on par with some of the other drivers on the grid. Piastri already has more wins than his own teammate, Lando Norris. Yet, it is easy to forget that this is only his third season in Formula 1 Racing.
When he first became a part of the grid, he was in deep trouble due to contract violations with Alpine. However, McLaren took Piastri under their wing and completely reformed his career. Oscar Piastri has been proving himself since the start of his F1 career. In his debut season, he became the second best Formula 1 rookie ever, scoring points and podiums to help McLaren get over their initial disappointments.
In his second season, Oscar Piastri utilized the upgrades to his advantage and won the first two races of his career. He made a big contribution to McLaren’s world championship title alongside his teammate. Come 2025, Oscar Piastri has become a completely different beast. His race craft impressed Max Verstappen while racing alongside him.
Ironically, Piastri’s first race in 2025 did not resemble his current form. He made a slight error and lost out on podium finish in his home race. Piastri did not step back and lament his loss however. He came to China with a motive and that was to return to the top. Piastri won in China and immediately put forth his name as one of the championship favorite drivers.
Oscar Piastri has been nearly perfect since then. In the races which followed, he was always managing the best out of his car and competing and overtaking other drivers without making a fuss. In Jeddah, Piastri’s better reaction time got him ahead of Max Verstappen. His clash with the Dutchman landed Max Verstappen with a penalty which gave Piastri his win in Jeddah.
In Miami, things were much different, this time, Oscar did not rely on the stewards or any external factors. The way he was racing against Max made Verstappen commit an error lose out to Piastri. Later on, Piastri strategy was utilized by his teammate who did the same to Verstappen and clinched away his podium.
The biggest benefit that Piastri brings to the team is his no nonsense attitude. Piastri’s nickname is the “Iceman”. He might not be comparable to the Ferrari champion yet but he has the traits. Oscar Piastri seldom lashes out on the radio. He is hardly involved in any crashes. Piastri does not even try to rile up the media with controversial opinions. He is there to race and whatever he does on track completely stays out his business outside the track. Piastri is not a stoic individual. He loves having fun and his laugh is contagious. However, he has the emotional clarity and the grit in his head to become the perfect Formula 1 champion.
Oscar Piastri’s driving style is always reminiscent of the fact that he is there to win. Piastri does not get overjoyed at a victory, he starts preparing for the next time. These characteristics make him a dangerous driver and a possible champion killer.
