Championship leader Oscar Piastri is bracing for a fierce and unpredictable battle at the 2025 F1 British GP, believing that the race will feature more than just the two McLaren drivers at the front. Following his close fight with team mate Lando Norris in Austria, Piastri suggested that Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull could also be in contention at Silverstone.
“Let us wait and see,” Piastri said with a smile when asked about the prospect of another duel with Norris. “I think it is going to be an interesting weekend – Silverstone always is. The weather is always a factor and it looks like it will be again this weekend.”
“I do not think it will just be two McLarens this time. I think Mercedes will probably be quick, Red Bull honestly you never really know but they have been quick here in the past, Ferrari as well looked to be a little bit stronger in Austria, so let us see. It is a track I always enjoy, and I am expecting it to be a good fight with whoever it is.”
Momentum pattern emerges in McLaren’s Championship campaign
Piastri continues to lead the championship by 15 points over Norris, despite finishing second in Austria as his team mate claimed a third win of the season. A curious pattern has emerged this year: each time Norris has won, Piastri has followed up with a victory at the next race.
“I have found the same pattern as you, but there is nothing conscious about it,” the Australian said. “I think it has just been coincidence.”
He added, “I always go into every weekend, just trying to do the best that I can. I felt like maybe in China there was a bit of extra motivation but more because of how painful Melbourne was, more than anything else.”
Piastri continued, “I just go into every weekend trying to do my best, go in with the best state of mind that I can and I think I am always learning things about myself, about how I need the car as well, and [I am] learning lessons all the time.”
No added pressure to beat Norris on home soil
Although the psychological element of championship battles often plays a major role, Piastri remained composed when asked about the significance of potentially beating Norris at his home GP.
“I do not really think so,” he said. “Every driver wants to win their home race, but at the end of the day it is only worth the same amount of points as everywhere else. Monaco is kind of a similar feeling but, yes, would I love to win this weekend? Of course.”
“So let us see what happens. It is a track I enjoy, a track I have had good success at in the past, so hopefully can be a good weekend.”
A Championship battle with no signs of slowing
With just 15 points separating the McLaren drivers at the halfway stage of the season, the intra-team rivalry is intensifying. However, Piastri’s comments suggest he is as focused on staying consistent and learning from each race as he is on outright victories.
Silverstone, with its unpredictable weather, passionate crowd and high-speed layout, could provide yet another thrilling chapter in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive F1 title battles in recent years.
