Palmer: Piastri's Qualifying Leap Sparked His 'Coming of Age' Season

Jolyon Palmer has labeled Oscar Piastri's 2025 campaign as an "amazing coming of age," marking the Australian's transformation into a genuine World Championship contender. This breakthrough was fueled by a dramatic improvement in qualifying, which turned Piastri from a driver often outpaced by his teammate into a consistent race-winning threat. Despite a late-season dip that saw Lando Norris ultimately clinch the title, Piastri's performance has fundamentally shifted perceptions of his ceiling in Formula 1.

Why it matters:

Piastri's ascent solidifies him as a top-tier driver capable of challenging for championships, not just winning races. His ability to overcome a previous, clear deficit to teammate Lando Norris on Saturdays showcases a new level of mental and technical skill. This development creates a powerful, intra-team dynamic at McLaren, positioning them as a formidable force with two drivers capable of fighting for the top spot in 2026 and beyond.

The details:

• Qualifying Transformation: Palmer highlighted Piastri's "amazing" turnaround in one-lap pace, a stark contrast to 2024 when he was "blown away by Norris." This newfound Saturday speed was the foundation of his title challenge, turning front-row starts into victories.
• Race Win Potential: Piastri secured seven Grand Prix wins, but Palmer noted this tally could have easily reached ten were it not for a penalty at Silverstone and suboptimal strategy calls in Budapest and Qatar.
• Championship Contender: For much of the season, Piastri led the Drivers' Championship, proving his consistency and race pace were at a championship-winning level.
• Expert Endorsement: Palmer stated, "You could make a case for Oscar being a worthy world champion this year," underscoring the legitimacy of his challenge despite falling short.

What's next:

Piastri will enter the 2026 season with elevated expectations, now firmly established as a lead driver and title threat rather than a promising talent. The internal battle at McLaren between Piastri and Norris is set to be one of the most compelling storylines, potentially defining the championship fight if their car remains competitive. Having proven he can handle the pressure of a title fight, Piastri is expected to be even stronger, with Palmer confident he has "got what it takes" to eventually become World Champion.