Oscar Piastri is unwavering in his belief that he can claim the Formula 1 world championship in 2025.
Achieving that would be a tall order on paper, with the Australian trailing both his McLaren teammate and current points leader Lando Norris, as well as Red Bull's Max Verstappen, in the standings.
Verstappen, though impressive at Suzuka, has voiced concerns that Bahrain this weekend may re-expose the weaknesses in his Red Bull. Team advisor Dr Helmut Marko echoed this, pointing to persistent simulator woes.
"Whenever the simulator promises us great laptimes, things go backwards on the racetrack," he told Auto Motor und Sport. "I told Max he should rely on his experience rather than what the simulator says."
There's little dispute that McLaren boasts the fastest and most consistent car on the grid. When asked about Verstappen's odds of securing a fifth straight title, McLaren boss Andrea Stella told formel1.de: "It is very difficult to consistently compete in more than 24 races a season if you do not have the best car. The most important condition for winning both the drivers' and constructors' championships is the best car."
Piastri, 24, showed a slight pace advantage over Norris at the Japanese GP, though McLaren rejected his request to pass and challenge Verstappen.
Undeterred, he told Sport Bild: "I have no doubt that I can become world champion."
He views Norris, not Verstappen, as his primary threat. "Lando is my biggest competitor," Piastri said. "On the one hand, as the current world championship leader, he has the best chance of winning the title. On the other hand, our car is the best in Formula 1 and I have that too."
He acknowledged Verstappen's pedigree, adding: "Of course, you can't write off Max. He's a four-time world champion and won the title last year despite not having the best car."
Some foresee tension brewing at McLaren as the season unfolds, but Piastri remains unfazed. "Lando and I have a friendly relationship, although we obviously know that in the end we're going to fight it out," he explained. "I'm now in my third season and I feel like I'm finally where I want to be."
