Breaking: Verstappen’s “Really Big Problem” Is Piastri, Says Former F1 Driver Danner
Monaco – May 14, 2025 — Former Formula 1 driver and TV analyst Christian Danner has made a bold claim that’s sending ripples through the paddock: Max Verstappen’s biggest threat in the current F1 landscape isn’t Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc—it’s McLaren’s rising star, Oscar Piastri. Danner’s comments come amid a tightly contested season, with Piastri showing remarkable pace and consistency.
Speaking on a German motorsport broadcast, Danner praised Piastri’s development and mental toughness, calling him “the most composed young driver on the grid” and warning that Verstappen may have finally met his match. “Max is still the benchmark, but if there’s anyone who can genuinely unsettle him right now, it’s Oscar,” Danner said. “He’s precise, fearless, and improving every weekend.”
Piastri, now in his third season with McLaren, has been a standout performer in 2025, frequently outpacing his teammate Lando Norris and taking the fight to Red Bull in both qualifying and race pace. With several podiums and a victory already this season, the 23-year-old Australian is gaining momentum as a serious title contender.
Verstappen, who remains at the top of the championship standings, has faced increased pressure this season with McLaren and Ferrari closing the performance gap. While Red Bull has maintained its dominance in previous years, the latest updates from rival teams have significantly reduced their margin of superiority, making battles at the front far less predictable.
Danner emphasized that Piastri’s cool-headed approach and technical feedback are reminiscent of Verstappen’s early years—but with even more polish. “Oscar doesn’t get rattled. He studies every move, learns quickly, and he’s not afraid to challenge Max wheel-to-wheel. That’s what makes him dangerous,” Danner added.
Reactions from fans and analysts have been mixed. While some agree with Danner’s assessment, others believe it’s too early to call Piastri Verstappen’s greatest challenge, citing his relative inexperience compared to veterans like Hamilton and Alonso. Still, the growing tension between Red Bull and McLaren this season suggests that a new rivalry may be forming.
As the Formula 1 season heads into its European stretch, all eyes will be on how Verstappen responds to Piastri’s rising threat. With more races to come and development wars heating up, Christian Danner’s prediction may soon be tested on the track—and perhaps proved right.
