Oscar Piastri might be the next big thing in Formula 1, says Flavio Briatore.
Briatore, who once managed Mark Webber, thinks Piastri could become one of the best drivers ever.
‘Next World Champion?’
On the podcast “Formula For Success” with Eddie Jordan and David Coulthard, Briatore shared his thoughts on Piastri’s future. He believes that after winning his first race in Hungary with McLaren, Piastri has what it takes to be a world champion. Reflecting on Webber, Briatore said, “Honestly, the guy who impressed me the most in Formula One was Mark Webber. He is one of the best people I have met in Formula One. He was always loyal, he’s sincere, he’s a friend, he’s respectful.”
When Jordan asked if Webber learned a lot from him, Briatore jokingly took credit for Piastri’s success. “Well the fact that Piastri looks like world champion material then yes,” he laughed.
Briatore is confident that if not next year, then by 2027, Piastri will be crowned world champion. “If McLaren still have this car, Piastri, I believe, is one of the best drivers,” he stated. Jordan agreed and added, “I said about three races ago before he did win that race, I said that he’s going to emerge as one of the greatest drivers of the next decade.”
Fans might think it’s exciting to see such high praise for a young driver!
Currently sitting fourth in the driver standings, Piastri trails Max Verstappen by 110 points but is only 32 points behind teammate Lando Norris in second place. This season alone, he has already secured four podium finishes and celebrated his first win at Hungaroring last month.
What do you think about Piastri’s chances?
