Outside Line: 2025 F1 World Champion either Lando or Oscar

It’s early days - not even halfway - and McLaren’s second F1 Constructors’ world title in a row is a foregone conclusion. And, to me, with the evidence of Barcelona processed, it will be either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri who will become the 2025 F1 World Champion. One of them will be the winner in Canada too one could add with confidence.

Talking with Rick Houghton and special guest, F1 photographer Alexis Perrin, during the latest edition of the 2 Soft Compounds podcast, I predicted: “McLaren is on another level. Honestly, I’ll put my money down now. It’s either going to be Norris or Piastri as World Champion. It has to be. If they don’t win, something’s seriously gone wrong.

“The field hasn’t closed in on McLaren despite this new flexi-wing directive. If anything, I’d say McLaren has edged ahead. The MCL39 is just brilliant. It’s fast everywhere and works in all track conditions.

“Compare that to Mercedes, which sometimes looks decent in the cold but then struggles when it gets warmer. I really can’t see anyone other than the two McLarens battling it out for the title. And I think once the Constructors’ Championship is sealed, Zak is going to say: Alright, go for it, just let them race.

"There's no way McLaren is going to lose this [Drivers'] championship. If they lose this championship, I'll have to just eat my computer. Seriously, there's no ways that McLaren lose this championship!" I hope this does not prompt the old commentators' curse and result in some unpleasant munching!

I am not alone in my McLaren to win it all thinking. Former F1 driver, FIA Steward, and occasional pundit Derek Warwick had a similar impression when speaking to the media team at Plejmo: “The McLaren car is so good at the minute, all the circuits seem to suit — from fast circuits to Monaco — so it’s going to be very difficult for any driver except probably Max Verstappen.

“I think Oscar Piastri is the real deal. He’s very methodical, he's very calm, but he can also be quite aggressive when he wants. He's the one person that really gets his elbows out to Max. I think Lando Norris, who I believe is quicker on an overall lap, just needs to iron out a few mistakes.

“Lando is maybe looking too much at the pit board of his teammate. He needs to concentrate more on himself and just get out there and do it, because I think he's one of the quickest drivers that’s ever come through the BRDC Young Driver Programme.

“When you actually put your top three together, Max is always in it, because you know that you can never discount Max. So, can he win in Montreal? Absolutely. Who’s the current favourite at the minute? With current form, it’s Oscar.

“But if Lando, like he has in the last two races, gets his qualifying together, I think he can win the race as well. I think 1st, 2nd and 3rd is Lando, Oscar, and Max. Which way round that goes depends on qualifying," reckoned Warwick.

As for who of the two will be the 2025 F1 World Champ, like me for now, Warwick ventured: “I think Piastri is the complete deal, and I think he's got on top of that car. I think Norris needs to change a few things, mentally, in order not to make these silly mistakes. If he does, then for sure Lando can be World Champion. But it will either be Lando or Oscar.”

Heading to Round 10 of the championship, the Canadian Grand Prix this weekend in Montreal, Piastri leads the F1 Drivers' standings by ten points from Norris, with Verstappen P3 — 49 points down on top spot — and no one else close.

McLaren are blitzing their way to the 2025 F1 Constructors' title, their second in a row. If their form continues the way it has since Australia, without a dip in performance, and with a flurry of one-twos by their drivers before the summer break, they could even wrap things up by then or shortly after the season resumes.

Around Zandvoort time, which would be ideal, where orange will be the colour all weekend in Holland! Forza McLaren!