Oscar Piastri is following a career path similar to that of his Formula 1 world champion teammate Lando Norris and could be in contention for the title this season, McLaren CEO Zak Brown said on Monday ahead of testing in Bahrain.

Speaking to reporters via video call, Brown praised both drivers’ preparation and mindset.

“He’s now going into his fourth year,” Brown said of Piastri. “Lando had a lot more grands prix experience at that stage, but if you look at Lando’s development over that period, Oscar is on a very similar trajectory. He’s in a good place—physically fit, excited, and ready to go.”

Piastri aiming to make history

Piastri, who made his F1 debut with McLaren in Bahrain in 2023, has the chance to become Australia’s first world champion since Alan Jones in 1980. While Piastri claimed his first win in only his second season, Norris waited until his sixth year; both drivers won seven races last year.

Brown revealed he had spoken extensively with the 24-year-old Australian over the European winter break, focusing on how McLaren could provide the best environment for him. Piastri has also spent time in the simulator and, according to Brown, is confident he is receiving fair treatment alongside Norris.

“You win some, you lose some. Things fall your way, things don’t fall your way,” Brown added.

Championship ambitions

Brown said Norris is also highly motivated. “It’s our job to give him and Oscar the equipment to let them fight it out for the championship. If we can do that, I think both Oscar and Lando will be in with a shot.”

Mercedes’ George Russell is currently the pre-season favourite following a recent shakedown test in Barcelona. Meanwhile, Norris could become only the second Briton to win back-to-back titles, after seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who won multiple consecutive championships with Mercedes.

Brown reflected on the mindset of top drivers: “Some drivers say, ‘I’ve done it, now I’m done.’ Then you have Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Michael Schumacher—they go, ‘I’ve done it once, now I want to do it twice, three or four times.’”

He emphasised that both McLaren drivers remain free to race as needed, and any strategic decisions will be made throughout the season.

“We feel we’ll be competitive. The top four teams all look very strong. It’s very early days, but indications are that we will be strong,” Brown concluded.