While Lando Norris led McLaren’s charge for the drivers’ title, Oscar Piastri’s 2024 season was nothing short of extraordinary. The young Australian etched his name into F1 history by completing every lap of the season without a single DNF—a feat only achieved by Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen before him.

Piastri’s achievement becomes even more remarkable considering he is the only non-world champion to accomplish this. His consistency and reliability showcased not just his skill but also McLaren’s exceptional car design, praised as “phenomenal” by his race engineer, Tom Stallard.Schumacher, Hamilton, and Verstappen recorded their perfect seasons in championship-winning campaigns:

• Schumacher in 2002 during Ferrari’s dominant era.
• Hamilton in 2019 amid his unstoppable run with Mercedes.
• Verstappen in 2023, where he shattered records with 19 wins in 22 races.

Piastri, however, made history in just his sophomore season, further underlining his immense potential.Despite not being in the title fight, Piastri’s two race wins and numerous podium finishes contributed significantly to McLaren clinching their first Constructors’ Championship in 26 years. The Aussie’s ability to extract maximum performance—even on challenging weekends—positions him as a formidable contender for 2025.With McLaren’s car proving to be the most consistent on the grid, Piastri isn’t content to play second fiddle to Norris. The #81 driver has shown he’s ready to take the fight to his teammate and any other rival on the track.

However, Piastri will face stiff competition next season. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, and a potentially resurgent Mercedes team are all expected to battle for supremacy

While Norris may be the early favorite for the 2025 championship, Piastri has already proven he’s no ordinary driver. His flawless 2024 campaign not only cements him as a rising star but also sets the stage for what could be an electrifying title fight next season. Could Piastri add a world title to his name and truly join the ranks of F1’s greats? Only time will tell.