Scuderia Ferrari Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc has given his prediction for the outcome of the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship, naming the McLaren driver he believes will ultimately emerge victorious. With just six races remaining, the battle for the title between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris is intensifying, setting up a thrilling conclusion to an already unpredictable season.
As the championship heads to the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Oscar Piastri holds a 22-point advantage over teammate Lando Norris. The Australian driver will be determined to recover from a series of mixed results and reclaim the momentum that brought him seven victories earlier in the year. For Norris, the mission is clear — close the gap to his younger teammate and reignite his championship hopes. McLaren, despite dominating much of the season, hasn’t celebrated a race victory since the Dutch Grand Prix in August, and both drivers are eager to change that statistic in Texas.
Meanwhile, reigning World Champion Max Verstappen continues to loom in third place. The Red Bull driver, revitalized since his dominant weekend in Monza, remains mathematically in contention for a fifth world title, though his chances depend heavily on whether the two McLaren drivers falter in the final rounds.
Charles Leclerc’s prediction: the McLaren driver most likely to take the 2025 F1 title
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia in the paddock ahead of the United States Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc was asked which driver he believes will claim the championship crown. The Ferrari star, celebrating his 28th birthday during the Austin weekend, took a moment to reflect before naming the driver he expects to lift the trophy at season’s end.
Before revealing his prediction, Charles Leclerc spoke about Ferrari’s prospects for the Sprint weekend, expressing hope that the team could reverse its recent poor form. He pointed out that Sprint events present both opportunities and risks, explaining that a poor start could complicate the remainder of the weekend. Despite Ferrari’s inconsistency in recent rounds, Leclerc remained optimistic, praising the team’s ability to prepare a competitive car and find the right performance window when it matters most.
When asked about the McLaren title fight, Charles Leclerc emphasized that Oscar Piastri’s consistent performance throughout the year gives him a clear edge heading into the final stretch. According to the Monegasque driver, the Australian has demonstrated composure, pace, and race intelligence well beyond his experience level, and that combination could prove decisive in such a tight title battle. However, the Ferrari driver also warned against discounting Lando Norris, whose raw speed and aggressive style have kept him in contention despite several setbacks earlier in the season.
After briefly weighing both options, Charles Leclerc ultimately concluded that Oscar Piastri currently holds the advantage in the championship fight. His tone suggested admiration for Piastri’s maturity under pressure and confidence that the McLaren newcomer has what it takes to bring the drivers’ title back to Woking for the first time in over a decade.
Leclerc’s updated verdict contrasts with his earlier comments in Hungary
This isn’t the first time Charles Leclerc has been asked to weigh in on the Piastri–Norris rivalry. Back in August, ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, he had offered a more cautious prediction, suggesting that while Piastri appeared to have the upper hand following his victory at Spa-Francorchamps, Norris’s experience and adaptability could still swing the title race in his favor.
At that stage, Piastri led his teammate by 16 points and looked poised to extend his advantage further. Charles Leclerc acknowledged that the Australian seemed in control but reminded fans and analysts alike not to underestimate Norris’s skill behind the wheel and his capacity to deliver under pressure.
Since then, five race weekends have passed, and the dynamic has shifted. Despite some errors in recent events, Piastri has continued to lead the standings, prompting Charles Leclerc to express stronger confidence in his ability to close the championship. The Ferrari driver’s updated opinion suggests growing respect for the consistency and maturity Piastri has displayed during his first genuine title challenge.
Ferrari’s hopes and the championship landscape heading into the final rounds
While Charles Leclerc’s focus remains on helping Ferrari recover from its recent struggles, his insights into the title battle reflect his understanding of how the season’s narrative has evolved. With Verstappen and George Russell both claiming victories in recent races, the fight for wins remains wide open. Leclerc himself could still play a decisive role in the title picture — especially if he can replicate his triumph at last year’s United States Grand Prix, which remains one of his most celebrated victories.
As Formula 1 enters the home stretch of the 2025 season, McLaren faces the tantalizing possibility of its first Drivers’ Championship since Lewis Hamilton’s triumph in 2008. Piastri’s precision and composure will be tested against Norris’s hunger and experience, while rivals like Verstappen and Russell look to capitalize on any missteps. For Charles Leclerc and Ferrari, the goal will be to find redemption in the closing rounds and prove that they can still compete at the front as the grid prepares for another reshuffle in 2026.
Regardless of how the final six races unfold, Charles Leclerc’s prediction adds another intriguing layer to one of Formula 1’s most exciting title fights in recent memory — a battle that has not only reignited McLaren’s legacy but also reshaped the competitive order at the top of the sport.
Leave a Reply