"I think he's only going to get stronger": Zak Brown anticipates great strength from McLaren's hot prospect Oscar Piastri
Oscar Piastri (via Getty Images)
Oscar Piastri
's meteoric rise in the 2025
Formula 1
season has captured attention across the paddock—and within his garage. With three wins under his belt and a commanding lead in the
Drivers' Championship
, the young Australian is not only writing his legacy but also setting up what
McLaren
CEO
Zak Brown
believes could become one of the sport's most exciting intra-team rivalries.
Oscar Piastri hits the top with third victory of the season as Zak Brown forecasts greater resolve from him
Oscar Piastri's latest triumph came under the lights in Jeddah, where he secured his third win of the season after earlier victories in China and Bahrain. The result vaulted him to the top of the Drivers' Standings with 99 points—10 clear of his teammate
Lando Norris
and 12 ahead of three-time world champion Max Verstappen.
Historically, Oscar Piastri also became the first Australian leader of the championship in 15 years since his boss and previous Red Bull driver, Mark Webber.
Speaking after the
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
, Zak Brown complimented the 24-year-old that the championship leader position would only make him even more determined. 'I'm here to announce to everyone [that] I think he's only going to get stronger.' Zak Brown said to
F1 TV
in an interview.
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What does this mean for Lando Norris and McLaren's dynamic
While Oscar Piastri's rise is a source of pride for McLaren, it also sets the stage for a potentially intense internal rivalry. Norris, who won his first Formula 1 race in Miami in 2024, has remained a consistent performer despite recent setbacks, including a crash during Q3 in Saudi Arabia.
Zak Brown dismissed any concerns about friction between the two drivers, reaffirming McLaren's approach to equal treatment:
'We've got our two number ones,' Brown claimed. 'I think they're equal, they race each other hard. I think we've yet to see them really have an epic battle – I think that day's coming, I'm looking forward to it.'
Brown went on to say that although such a battle is going to take place, the team is highly confident and thinks that it will be done in an adult fashion.
'They race hard, they race clean, so I know everyone's waiting for that big moment. I think it's going to be a bit of a non-event for us internally. We know it's more of a when than an if. We have two great Grand Prix drivers racing hard, next to each other the majority of the time – something's going to happen, but that's racing, so I'm excited,' he said.
Eyes on Miami: The stage is set
The McLaren duo won't have to wait long for their next potential head-to-head clash, with the
Miami Grand Prix
just around the corner. The race holds special significance for Norris, who earned his maiden F1 victory there last year.
Also read:
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025 results: Oscar Piastri claims third win of the season, pushes Max Verstappen
With Piastri atop the championship now and Norris hungry for payback, the world awaits what may become a season-defining moment for McLaren's 2025 season—and a fresh Formula 1 rivalry for the ages.
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