Piastri: The Master of Calm in F1, World Title Favorite

Piastri’s Imperturbability: An Ace in the Hole in the Title Fight

The pressure of the battle for this year’s championship seems not to affect Oscar Piastri. The McLaren driver, in his interactions with the media, appears remarkably serene, even after incidents on the track that could have repercussions in the fight for the title. After the wheel-to-wheel contact with his teammate, Lando Norris, at the Singapore Grand Prix, Piastri remained calm in front of the press. Despite being soaked in sweat after a demanding race, he resisted the journalists’ attempts to stir up his emotions.

“No.”

Oscar Piastri

Faced with the question of whether the incident would change his way of competing with Norris, Piastri’s answer was blunt and devoid of emotion. Similarly, he answered “No” to questions about whether he felt Norris was receiving preferential treatment or if the pressure could affect the team’s impartiality.

This ability to remain calm is a quality that is both fascinating and disconcerting. It reveals an unusual maturity for a 24-year-old driver, with only three seasons in F1. However, it should not be mistaken for indifference. While some drivers react with anger to setbacks, Piastri seems to defy the circumstances.

Tom Stallard, Piastri’s race engineer, believes the driver carefully chooses his words, aware that this can be a competitive advantage.

“He is like that because he chooses to be like that, and because that is something he values in himself and as an individual, so he strives to be like that. Perhaps there is some nature and nurture there too, but I think it’s a conscious thing and it’s something he has worked on very successfully.”

Tom Stallard

Andrea Stella, McLaren team principal, who worked with figures like Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, also believes that Piastri maintains control to gain a competitive advantage. Piastri possesses a remarkable ability to manage his emotions, which has contributed to his success at the top of the F1 drivers’ championship in 2025.

Piastri’s maturity was formed from a young age. His family recounts how, at the age of two, he already identified the car brands. His passion for racing manifested early, first with remote control cars and then in karting, where he won his first national championship at the age of nine. At 13 years old, to advance his career, Piastri moved to Europe. His father, Chris, assessed his son’s future in a crucial race, where Piastri demonstrated his talent by moving up the rankings and achieving the fastest lap. This performance convinced Chris that the sacrifices would be worthwhile.

Two years later, Piastri entered Haileybury boarding school in the UK. Although far from his family, he adapted well, focused on his dream of competing internationally. Reflecting on this experience, Piastri believes it contributed to his ability to handle pressure. Stella highlights Piastri’s ability to focus on what’s important and reduce external “noise.” According to Stallard, Piastri’s ability to efficiently process information and provide accurate data facilitates the team’s work. His stoic approach helps the team concentrate on strategy and decision-making.

Stella points out that Piastri’s speed is key, as it allows him to have the mental capacity to make quick decisions and constantly learn. The combination of speed, intelligence, and mental strength has allowed Piastri to lead the championship since his victory in Saudi Arabia in April. The last six races of the season, starting in Austin, Texas, will be the ultimate test for Piastri, as he seeks to secure the title against Norris and Max Verstappen. Stallard, with experience in elite sports, acknowledges the pressure of fighting for an F1 championship. The key, according to him, is to focus on the strengths that have brought Piastri to this point. The team expects to face the pressure with the tools that have led them to success, knowing that this is the territory they have sought.