McLaren star Oscar Piastri has sent a stern warning to teammate Lando Norris and the rest of his Formula 1 rivals ahead of the new season.
The 2025 campaign is building up to be one of the best seasons ever, with the likes of Piastri, Norris, Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell all looking to prevent Verstappen from winning a fifth consecutive world title.
Although Verstappen clinched the driver's title, McLaren toppled Red Bull Racing to claim the constructor's championship for the first time since 1998.
Heading into the new season, McLaren's British superstar Norris is the bookies' favourite to win the F1 world title.
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However, teammate Piastri has fired an early warning that he is also ready to go all the way.
Oscar Piastri sends early warning ahead of new season
The Australian said during McLaren's surprise car launch: "I do think that I can become world champion this year. I feel like 12 months ago I was going into the season still with some weaknesses that I wasn't particularly confident with. Through last season I addressed them and it's now just about addressing them every weekend.
"I'm confident and I think we've still got some things to work on. I'm definitely not the finished product but I don't think anyone necessarily is. If we can work on some of the things that we've set out to do in this off-season, then I'll have a lot of tools to be able to try and make that happen."
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Meanwhile, Norris revealed what he has to do in order to beat Verstappen after being left disappointed last season.
Lando Norris vows to get his 'elbows out' against Max Verstappen
The 25-year-old said: "I need to get my elbows out and I need to show him that I'm not going to willingly give him any positions, those kind of things. But I also have to be a smart driver. You have to be a smart driver to go up against Max.
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"I like those moments when you have to make those quick decisions. It's always a lot harder when you're in the car than when you rewatch it after. Even when I see some things that I do, I'm like, 'what the hell have I done? What an idiot.'."
McLaren are likely to be the team to beat in 2025 and ahead of the new season, the team confirmed a huge sponsorship deal.
They recently announced lottery operator Allwyn as an 'official partner'. The link-up promises to give fans 'unparalleled access to McLaren through exclusive behind-the-scenes content and live fan experiences'.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown said: "We are delighted to welcome Allwyn to the McLaren Racing family. Off the back of a fantastic 2024 season in Formula 1, it’s great to have an international brand like Allwyn join us at a time when the team – and the sport – is going from strength to strength. We’re excited to go racing together."
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The 2025 F1 season will begin with the Australian Grand Prix, which will be held around Albert Park in Melbourne on March 16.
Topics: McLaren, Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, Formula 1
Marcus Chan