Oscar Piastri might not yet have the same trophy cabinet as Max Verstappen or Lewis Hamilton, but according to one prominent F1 analyst, the Australian may already be the most complete driver on the grid.
In a recent video, former racer and respected technical analyst Scott Mansell of Driver61 broke down why Piastri’s driving style, adaptability, and precision are placing him ahead of some of the sport’s biggest stars.
Mansell, known for his deep technical insights into F1 driving techniques, highlighted three core reasons why Piastri stands out in 2025: consistency, precision under pressure, and corner entry control.
According to the British analyst, the McLaren driver’s approach is “ultra-smooth” and reminiscent of greats like Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button—both known for their finesse and tactical awareness.
Piastri’s strength lies in the way he manages the entry phase of a corner. As Mansell explains, this is where “the magic happens.” Most drivers in 2025—including the likes of Verstappen and Leclerc—excel in attacking the apex. But Piastri focuses on creating a strong foundation through the initial brake release and steering input, ensuring the car is fully balanced before turn-in. That’s where he gains time—often visibly but effectively.
While Max Verstappen is still the benchmark for raw pace and aggression, and Lando Norris is known for extracting the maximum in qualifying, Piastri’s maturity and clean execution are earning him quiet admiration in the paddock.
Importantly, one of Piastri’s previous weaknesses—tyre management—has undergone a remarkable transformation. As Mansell notes, even Mclaren team boss Andreas Seidl wasn’t just praising Piastri’s driving technique; he was also highlighting how much the young Australian has improved in managing tyre degradation. Initially seen as a vulnerability in his rookie season, Piastri himself admitted at the end of last year that he has made “night and day” progress, learning “the hard way” through painful experiences.
Now, only a few months later, the results are clear. At a circuit like Shanghai, infamous for front tyre graining, Piastri experienced significantly less degradation than Norris. This improvement has been crucial in helping him convert strong qualifying performance into consistent, high-scoring race results.
Top ten F1 career decisions of all time https://t.co/3abTg7vtUApic.twitter.com/YcIbmMIpjC
— Tom Bellingham (@TomP1Bellingham) April 24, 2025
He rarely makes mistakes and shows adaptability across track conditions. Mansell even suggested that while Verstappen may still have the edge in terms of sheer speed, Piastri could be the more “complete package” over a race weekend.
McLaren’s faith in Piastri is already paying off. In his second season, he’s consistently pushing teammate Lando Norris and delivering strong results. With McLaren climbing the pecking order in 2025, Piastri’s rise could signal the start of a new F1 era—one where calm execution and technical mastery trump aggression alone.
Oscar Piastri might not be the loudest name in the headlines yet, but if Scott Mansell’s breakdown is anything to go by, that’s about to change. With his smooth, error-free driving and incredible consistency, Piastri could soon emerge not just as a race winner—but a world title contender.
Related: Oscar Piastri Makes Surprising Admission About His Party Plans After Bahrain Win
Oscar Piastri might not yet have the same trophy cabinet as Max Verstappen or Lewis Hamilton, but according to one prominent F1 analyst, the Australian may already be the most complete driver on the grid.
In a recent video, former racer and respected technical analyst Scott Mansell of Driver61 broke down why Piastri’s driving style, adaptability, and precision are placing him ahead of some of the sport’s biggest stars.
Mansell, known for his deep technical insights into F1 driving techniques, highlighted three core reasons why Piastri stands out in 2025: consistency, precision under pressure, and corner entry control.
According to the British analyst, the McLaren driver’s approach is “ultra-smooth” and reminiscent of greats like Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button—both known for their finesse and tactical awareness.
Piastri’s strength lies in the way he manages the entry phase of a corner. As Mansell explains, this is where “the magic happens.” Most drivers in 2025—including the likes of Verstappen and Leclerc—excel in attacking the apex. But Piastri focuses on creating a strong foundation through the initial brake release and steering input, ensuring the car is fully balanced before turn-in. That’s where he gains time—often visibly but effectively.
While Max Verstappen is still the benchmark for raw pace and aggression, and Lando Norris is known for extracting the maximum in qualifying, Piastri’s maturity and clean execution are earning him quiet admiration in the paddock.
Importantly, one of Piastri’s previous weaknesses—tyre management—has undergone a remarkable transformation. As Mansell notes, even Mclaren team boss Andreas Seidl wasn’t just praising Piastri’s driving technique; he was also highlighting how much the young Australian has improved in managing tyre degradation. Initially seen as a vulnerability in his rookie season, Piastri himself admitted at the end of last year that he has made “night and day” progress, learning “the hard way” through painful experiences.
Now, only a few months later, the results are clear. At a circuit like Shanghai, infamous for front tyre graining, Piastri experienced significantly less degradation than Norris. This improvement has been crucial in helping him convert strong qualifying performance into consistent, high-scoring race results.
Top ten F1 career decisions of all time https://t.co/3abTg7vtUApic.twitter.com/YcIbmMIpjC
— Tom Bellingham (@TomP1Bellingham) April 24, 2025
He rarely makes mistakes and shows adaptability across track conditions. Mansell even suggested that while Verstappen may still have the edge in terms of sheer speed, Piastri could be the more “complete package” over a race weekend.
McLaren’s faith in Piastri is already paying off. In his second season, he’s consistently pushing teammate Lando Norris and delivering strong results. With McLaren climbing the pecking order in 2025, Piastri’s rise could signal the start of a new F1 era—one where calm execution and technical mastery trump aggression alone.
Oscar Piastri might not be the loudest name in the headlines yet, but if Scott Mansell’s breakdown is anything to go by, that’s about to change. With his smooth, error-free driving and incredible consistency, Piastri could soon emerge not just as a race winner—but a world title contender.
Related: Oscar Piastri Makes Surprising Admission About His Party Plans After Bahrain Win
