Oscar Piastri is seen as the new favorite for the Formula 1 world title. The Australian driver has exceeded expectations this year and leads the championship standings. While Piastri has continued to deliver incredible performances on-track, it seems that not everyone expects him to win this season. Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya insisted that Piastri will fail to clinch his maiden title.

In the 2025 title fight, Oscar Piastri‘s only threat at the moment is his teammate Lando Norris. Max Verstappen seemed to be in contention in the first few faces. However, the reigning world champion quickly fell behind the two McLarens as Red Bull’s persistent issues resurfaced. On the other hand, Norris and Piastri have been battling each ot
her for victories in hopes of getting the upper hand on one another.

The two McLaren drivers have won five races each so far. Although, Oscar Piastri has remained more consistent than his British counterpart. The two are separated by just nine points.

Juan Pablo Montoya insisted that Lando Norris had a better chance of claiming the title this season. He revealed that his entire family wants to see Piastri take the championship. However, he insisted that he would want to see Norris emerge victorious instead. Montoya recalled Lando Norris’ performance at the Hungarian GP. The Columbian icon indicated that the 25-year-old had finally become a stronger driver mentally. Norris’ victory at the Hungaroring made it clear to Montoya that he could win the championship instead of Oscar Piastri.

I think Lando [will win the title]. In my house everybody wants Oscar, but I want Lando. I like Lando. I like both of them. I think Lando’s a little quicker and he’s developed some r
eal steel recently. What Lando did in Hungary made me sure that Lando’s going to win.

Juan Pablo Montoya told a betting site

The former McLaren driver highlighted that Piastri seemed to have the upper hand since the start of the weekend. However, Lando Norris stepped up exactly at the right time in the race and did a decent job with the face strategy. Thus, Norris could once again show that he was not going to let his teammate win the championship so easily.

Oscar had him covered all weekend. Oscar was better Friday. Going into qualifying, Oscar had the weekend in his hands. And Lando really stepped up through the race. He really stepped up and did the job in the race. He made the different strategy work. Everything is coming together.

Juan Pablo Montoya explained