Analyst highlights key step that created a new Formula 1 title contender

14:01, 28 Dec

byKada Sarkozi

Despite eventually missing out on the drivers' title, former driver and analyst Jolyon Palmer highlighted a major step that elevated Oscar Piastri into title contention.

"A big turnaround from 2024 when he was blown away by Norris over one lap."

- Jolyon Palmer

Piastri led the drivers' championship for much of the 2025 season, but after a difficult run following the Italian Grand Prix, he finished third in the standings behind Lando Norris and Max Verstappen.

While Palmer chose Verstappen as the best driver of the 2025 season for F1.com, he opted for Piastri as the most improved driver.

The Briton wrote: "What a season for Oscar – another driver who came up tantalisingly short but at least managed to regroup after a tricky run through the Americas to shape up for a genuine title tilt."

The Australian driver won seven Grands Prix during the '25 campaign, but Palmer also underlined that he could have reached as many as 10.

Piastri finished 13 points behind Norris in the standings - Photo: Race Pictures

He continued by highlighting what made Piastri a force to be reckoned with in terms of the title battle. "His pace and consistency on Saturdays was critical – and a big turnaround from 2024 when he was blown away by Norris over one lap.

"You could make a case for Oscar being a worthy world champion this year and from where he was in 2024, that’s an amazing coming of age. It didn’t happen, but he will certainly start next year with more eyes on him if he has a car to compete again."

Therefore, Palmer is confident: "I think he’s shown he’s got what it takes."

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