Source: REUTERS/Aleksandra Szmigiel
[Saba Sports News] Oscar Piastri is using actual performance to break the public’s stereotype of him as the “number two driver.” With half of the 2025 season already completed, he not only leads Lando Norris by 8 points but is also seen as having the upper hand in direct confrontations between the two. Former F1 driver Jolyon Carlyle Palmer pointed out that compared to the slight lead in points, what is more important is that Piastri has successfully broken the previous trend of Norris being the core of McLaren. Looking back at last season, Norris won key races that helped McLaren secure the team championship and held a central position within the team. However, this season, Piastri has gradually found his own rhythm on the track and has won five races in 12 races, with outstanding performances in multiple weekends. Palmer emphasized that although the overall performance of both drivers is closely matched, Piastri has successfully balanced the situation and even gained a slight advantage. Palmer noted that although Piastri is currently in good form, Norris has not yet fully shown his potential. He believes that if Norris can find a better feeling with the car, especially after McLaren recently adjusted the suspension system, he still has the potential to regain control of the internal competition. Despite this, the current situation is more favorable for Piastri.