Flavio Briatore ‘absolutely’ sure 264-point driver is a future Formula 1 world champion

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Formula 1’s recent spells of domination have led to just three world champions taking their place on the grid this season.

Max Verstappen is currently on course to win a fourth straight title and while Lewis Hamilton has enjoyed a recent upturn in form, Fernando Alonso is getting increasingly frustrated at Aston Martin.

It doesn’t appear as though anyone will be joining their ranks this season, but the convergence of the grid may give someone an opportunity in 2025.

Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore was speaking to Eddie Jordan on the Formula For Success Podcast.

The pair were discussing the future of the race to win a world championship and both believe McLaren driver Oscar Piastri is on course to achieve that feat.

He’s only won one Grand Prix in his F1 career and has just 264 points to his name so far.

However, the speed of his progression since his debut at the beginning of last year is a sign of just how talented the young Australian is.

Jordan has been a huge fan of Piastri for some time and it’s no surprise that Briatore – who has identified several stars in his time in F1 – has recognised his potential as well.

READ MORE: McLaren driver Oscar Piastri’s life outside F1 from height to girlfriend

Flavio Briatore thinks McLaren star Oscar Piastri is a future F1 world champion

Talking about Briatore’s influence in F1, Jordan said: “Somebody who has learned a lot from you, I think you managed him, was Mark Webber and I have to say I adore Mark.

“What he’s doing with Piastri now is something remarkable because of the young drivers coming up, Piastri is somebody that I’ve said could become one of the greats of our sport in the future.”

Briatore agreed: “Absolutely!” before Jordan continued: “He and Mark are great people, do you think they learned a lot from being managed by you?”

Briatore concluded: “Well if you look at Piastri, you would say yes! But Mark is one of the best people I met in Formula 1.

“He was always loyal, he’s sincere, he’s a friend, he’s respectful. Honestly, if you tell me who was the person who impressed me the most in F1, it’s Mark Webber.

“Piastri, I believe is one of the next world champions, the guy if it’s not next year, he’ll still be there.

“If McLaren still have this car, Piastri will be one of the best drivers.”

READ MORE: Everything to know about Alpine’s F1 executive adviser Flavio Briatore

McLaren have to capitalise on Red Bull woes with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri

Considering that Piastri had to settle for Q1 exits and early retirements at the beginning of his Formula 1 career, McLaren have taken unprecedented steps forward in the past 18 months.

Piastri currently sits 4^th in the Drivers’ Championship and has achieved four podium finishes in his last seven races.

He may even be slightly disappointed that he’s allowed Norris to open up a 32-point gap over him this season but there’s still time to reduce that deficit.

The main focus for McLaren for the rest of the season will be catching Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about McLaren F1 Team from team principal to engine

McLaren sit 42 points behind the current champions but Sergio Perez’s form has deteriorated to such an extent that Verstappen can’t win the title on his own.

Norris and Piastri’s radio exchanges in Hungary highlight just how much both drivers want to win when the opportunity arises.

However, it’s up to the team to keep them in check for the final 10 race weekends to finally secure some more silverware.