Nico Rosberg is impressed by Oscar Piastri’s composure after the race in Canada and now sees him as the clear favorite for the world championship.
Has Lando Norris’s actions in Canada knocked him out of the running for the 2025 Formula 1 title? Of course, it’s still far too early to say mathematically, but for former champion Nico Rosberg, Canada was a decisive moment. “For me, Oscar Piastri is the clear favorite for the world championship from today onwards,” the German told Sky.
The Australian has the advantages on his side. Even though he only finished fourth in Montreal, he presumably has the best car and now has a 22-point lead in the championship. But that’s not what Rosberg is concerned about. It’s what he saw in Canada that has reinforced his opinion.
Norris, in his opinion, is not coping well with the current situation. The Briton has repeatedly admitted to mental problems and in Canada he once again let himself down with two mistakes in Q3 and an overambitious maneuver against his teammate. “The mistakes just keep coming for him,” Rosberg criticized.
“And he hasn’t found a way to improve so far.”
It’s completely different with Piastri, who drives “incredibly solidly” and maintains his level throughout. “I would never have thought that, especially after seeing the last two years. But in these new situations, where there is so much pressure, he is simply strong,” he praises.
Pizza instead of party
His behavior after his victory in Miami was telling. He simply went out for pizza with his manager Mark Webber in the evening – at least that’s what his former Williams teammate told him that weekend.
“All the other drivers would have gone out to celebrate,” said Rosberg. “And whether he wins or comes fifth makes almost no difference to him. Of course, there’s great joy in the moment after the race, but then in the evening everything is back to normal – and that’s just the stability he has, that’s his greatest strength.”
Former driver Timo Glock agrees with this assessment and finds Piastri’s calmness particularly impressive – “as if he’s been driving for ten years and has no idea how many times he’s competed for the world championship,” the German told Sky.
Piastri also handled the situation with Norris in Canada calmly and simply finished his race. “He doesn’t get loud and doesn’t let anything get to him. And that shows incredible intelligence in his environment.”
