Verstappen explains why "more experienced" Piastri is a title contender for the 2025 season

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen explains why a "more experienced" Oscar Piastri is a serious title contendor for the 2025 Formula 1 world championship.

For McLaren, it was a qualifying session in two parts at the Bahrain Grand Prix, with the fastest team on the grid taking pole position with Piastri after a fantastic lap, while Lando Norris could only manage sixth place.

After the Brit took a dominant win at the Australian Grand Prix to start the 2025 campaign, it's been his Australian teammate who has grown into the season, taking victory at the Chinese Grand Prix and now finding much more joy in qualifying.

Piastri really in the title fight says Verstappen

Verstappen may start one place behind Norris on the grid at the Bahrain International Circuit, but a battle with the Brit is unlikely. "He normally just moves forward with the speed they have. Yes, it was a tough qualifying session. But I do think they generally have an advantage in the race," Verstappen told the Dutch press, including GPblog.

Last season, Norris was Verstappen's main rival. However, this season, Piastri has joined the competition. Verstappen understands why the young Australian - unlike last year - is now competing for the highest honours.

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Regarding the driver who took his second pole in Bahrain, Verstappen said in response to a question from GPblog: "Yes, he's in a good place. Look, more and more experience also helps. I think quite a few people forgot that Oscar was only in his second season. Now you have a bit more confidence, I think. You know the cars a bit better, of course. You also immediately see that he is more stable."

With a victory in Bahrain, Piastri could even gain important points in the title race. After three races, Piastri has 49 points. Norris (62) and Verstappen (61) are ahead of him in the championship.

This article was written in collaboration with Ludo van Denderen