Oscar Piastri poised for F1 championship glory, says Lewis Hamilton

Oscar Piastri Poised for Maiden F1 World Title, Says Lewis Hamilton

Oscar Piastri appears well on his way to securing a maiden Formula 1 world title, according to seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton—the most successful driver in the sport's history. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Hamilton praised Piastri’s performance this season and acknowledged the Australian driver's maturity in handling the pressures of top-tier competition.

Piastri, 24, has emerged as a strong contender in his third season in Formula 1, winning four of the first seven races with McLaren. The Woking-based team’s resurgence has also kept teammate Lando Norris close in the hunt, with Piastri holding a narrow 13-point lead ahead of this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix.

McLaren’s Turnaround and Championship Pressure

Reflecting on McLaren's turnaround, Hamilton—who claimed his first title with the same team in 2008—shared admiration for both drivers:

"It’s amazing to see McLaren doing so well because that’s where I started," Hamilton said. "And also to see them so close, him and Lando, just these two great drivers."

Hamilton also spoke about the intensity of the title race, acknowledging the mental burden that comes with championship aspirations:

"The pressure on both of them will be unimaginable, I would say, for most people that are not experiencing it or have not experienced it," he added. "He [Piastri] has been doing everything you need to do to win a world championship. I don’t have any advice for him—just to keep doing what he’s doing."

A Season of Dominance

Piastri’s credentials are hard to ignore considering his dominant performances this season. Victories in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Miami cemented his position at the top of the standings. Last weekend in Imola, the Australian also secured pole position but fell to third after Red Bull’s Max Verstappen capitalized on a strong start, overtaking through Turn 1 to steal the win. Norris finished second, giving McLaren a double podium but a reminder of Red Bull’s pace.

Acknowledging the challenge, Piastri reflected on Imola as a learning moment:

"Calling it a reality check is too harsh, but it was a reminder that not everything will go to plan this season," he explained. "I think maybe the [Red Bull] race pace was a bit of a surprise for us, but the fact they were quick through the weekend was not a big surprise. So we’ve got to keep working hard."

Monaco: A Historic Opportunity

Heading into Monaco, a track steeped in history, Piastri has the opportunity to continue adding to Australia’s impressive legacy on one of Formula 1’s most iconic circuits. Three Australians have previously conquered the streets of Monte Carlo. The late Jack Brabham, a triple world champion, set the standard. Mark Webber, Piastri’s current manager, and Daniel Ricciardo added to the nation’s legacy in later eras.

Piastri is aware of the significance as he reflected on the track’s history:

"There’s quite a lot of Australian history around this place," he said. "It would be nice to add another chapter."

Eyes on Monaco

With McLaren firing on all cylinders and Piastri demonstrating championship-worthy form, eyes are firmly on the Australian driver as he seeks to solidify his standing at Monaco—a race that could prove pivotal in his campaign for the Formula 1 title.

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