Oscar Piastri caught Max Verstappen off guard with a pointed question during the cooldown room session following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, highlighting the tension and curiosity that accompanied the season finale. Although Verstappen won the race, his victory was not enough to secure a fifth consecutive Formula 1 championship, as Lando Norris’ third-place finish clinched the title. Piastri, also a contender, finished the season third overall in the drivers’ standings.
The cooldown room brought together the top three drivers—Verstappen, Piastri, and Norris—where informal conversations reflected both relief and reflection after a tense finale. Piastri initiated discussion by referencing the current generation of cars, quipping that they wouldn’t have to drive them again, prompting Verstappen to respond with cautious optimism about next year’s machinery.
After a brief pause, Piastri pressed further with a more pointed question, asking Verstappen if he hadn’t wanted to “back everyone up,” alluding to tactics used in past title-deciding races. Verstappen, however, maintained that he focused on driving a clean and commanding race rather than employing controversial strategies, ultimately securing a strong first-place finish for the eighth time in 2025.
Reflecting on his own season, Piastri expressed satisfaction with his performance despite narrowly missing out on the championship. He highlighted the risks and strategies employed during the race and emphasised how the season had pushed him to learn about resilience, handling adversity, and managing pressure in the high-stakes environment of Formula 1.
Piastri concluded that the challenges and experiences of 2025 provided invaluable lessons for his career. From moments of seeming invincibility to difficult setbacks, he learned to navigate the unique pressures of F1 compared to junior categories. The insights gained during the season, he noted, would strengthen his approach and mindset in future championship battles.
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