Oscar Piastri now agrees with Max Verstappen about how the 2025 title fight will play out

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Oscar Piastri extended his lead in the drivers’ championship over Lando Norris after claiming his sixth win of the season at Spa.

After the McLarens collided at the Canadian GP, Norris bounced back with victories in Austria and Silverstone. He was beginning to pile the pressure on his teammate, but Piastri responded emphatically at the Belgian Grand Prix.

The Aussie went six tenths clear of Norris for pole in Sprint qualifying, but lost out to Max Verstappen in Saturday’s race. He qualified behind his McLaren teammate for Sunday’s race, but overtook him down the Kemmel straight after a lengthy delay due to torrential rain.

The 24-year-old went out of sight after that as he produced a commanding drive to claim victory. Piastri was hailed for his ‘superb’ tyre management as he beat Norris by over three seconds.

With his lead now extended to 16 points, Piastri will be looking to build the momentum at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The McLaren duo have set up an intense title battle in the second half of 2025.

Oscar Piastri now sees the 2025 title as a ‘two-horse race’ between the McLarens like Max Verstappen

McLaren have been a level above the field this season, as they sit 268 points clear at the top of the constructors’ championship. Many see the 2025 drivers’ title going to one of the Woking outfit’s drivers, including the defending champion.

Verstappen has openly said that he is not in the title battle with the McLarens. It is still mathematically possible for the Red Bull driver to win his fifth consecutive championship, but he is aware that his RB21 cannot keep up with the MCL39.

Verstappen claimed in Spa that ‘I know enough’ from looking at other cars’ onboards about where he is compared to his rivals. He does not think he can make up the 81 points that separate him and Piastri, and the Aussie now agrees.

Speaking during the drivers’ press conference in Hungary, Piastri expects the title battle to ‘remain a close-run thing’ with Norris, as per Motorsport.com. When asked whether he felt the championship was a ‘two-horse race’, he replied: “I suppose so.”

Verstappen has expressed his dislike towards Red Bull’s F1 car, which has proven inferior to the McLaren in 2025. While he can still mount a serious challenge, it seems that Piastri no longer views him as a title contender.

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McLaren know how they want Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris’ title battle to go

With the title now seemingly between the McLarens, the attention will shift to Piastri and Norris’ battle. The pair have shown that they can produce intense fights on track, but can sometimes go overboard, as evidenced by their crash in Canada.

Nelson Piquet Jr says Piastri can forget about winning the title ‘easily’ after seeing Norris’ qualifying speed at Spa. The Aussie will certainly be in for a tough battle, with his teammate also having his heart set on becoming world champion.

McLaren want the 2025 title to be decided ‘on merit’, having given their drivers the freedom to race each other all season. The team are ‘very conscious’ of the fact that one will be celebrating at the other’s expense, thus they want to ensure they offer equal opportunities.

However, there is a chance that the title could be decided out of McLaren’s control. Mercedes’ reliability issue could affect Piastri and Norris, which could see one benefit over the other and claim the championship.