Paistri or Norris for the 2025 Formula 1 World title? Or Max?

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 at 18:27

In the wake of Oscar Piastri claiming top spot in the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship, it still remains a toss-up regarding who will win it this year: Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri... and also that Max Guy!

However, increasingly, the tide of opinion in the Formula 1 paddock and beyond is that Piastri might just have the grit to not only beat Norris but also fend off McLaren's constant nemesis and party-crasher Verstappen, in the #1 Red Bull.

F1 driver turned German TV commentator, Christian Danner, is a long-time believer that Piastri has what it takes to become a future F1 world champion: “It’s a little early for that. But before the season started, I did several interviews, and everyone asked, ‘Who’s going to be world champion?’

“Before the first race in Melbourne, I said Oscar Piastri. Everyone was surprised. What about Lando? He’s more experienced, faster, and stronger. But that was my personal opinion. I believe Oscar will be the world champion. Nothing has changed my mind so far.

“That belief is based on my own experience as a former F1 driver. I assess things like driving ability, psychological strength, mental and physical stability, and pure speed. And to be where Oscar is right now, you’ve got to be seriously fast. All the parameters I consider point to Oscar," insisted Danner.

Danner: Expect a repeat of Jeddah in Miami

Looking ahead to this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix, Danner said: “Miami is not my favourite place. I used to race there in IndyCar, downtown near the cruise ship terminal, a great area. The weather now isn’t ideal.

“What do I expect from Miami? Pretty much the same as we’ve seen. I hope Mercedes solve their overheating and tyre degradation issues. McLaren are still the team to beat. Lando is very quick, but he makes too many mistakes.

“This isn’t personal, I think Lando is a fantastic guy, but the facts are he crashed in Q3 at Jeddah, which was a big mistake. During the race, he overtook Hamilton twice in a way that was almost comical. You might do that once, accidentally, but twice? That’s disappointing.

“Verstappen, by contrast, knows how to use DRS strategically, activating it at the right point to gain or deny an advantage. I never raced with DRS myself, but I understand how powerful it is when used wisely.

“Lando should have been fast enough to beat Leclerc and finish on the podium. So, for Miami? I expect more of the same. George Russell will likely be the fastest of the chasing pack. Verstappen? Depends on the performance on the day, but we’ll see something similar to Jeddah," predicts Danner.

(Source: Casino Games)