The Formula 1 world is ablaze with talk of Oscar Piastri, newly dubbed the "ice-boy," emerging as a serious contender for the 2025 world championship.
Piastri's defining moment came at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where he boldly challenged Max Verstappen at the first corner, secured victory, and overtook McLaren teammate Lando Norris to claim the drivers' championship lead.
His composed performance prompted his mother, Nicole, to share insights on 4BC radio. "He's very cautious by nature, and he's very calculated and clever in the way that he does everything," she said.
"He took on Max at the first corner, which was a bit horrifying. But typically, he won't take risks."
The global media has taken note, heralding Piastri as a formidable force. Spanish newspaper AS wrote, "From the 'Papaya rules' and the soft touch of McLaren has emerged an ice-cold and ruthless driver who can stand up to Verstappen and give him a taste of his own medicine."
Diario Sport proclaimed, "Oscar Piastri is the leader McLaren needs," while Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport declared, "Formula 1 has a new leader—Oscar Piastri, the ice-boy of McLaren."
The 24-year-old Australian addressed his new nickname in an interview with Bild newspaper. "I wouldn't call myself that personally, but I understand why people do," he said, embracing the label that reflects his calm and calculated approach.
Verstappen, who was absolutely incensed by a 5-second penalty in Jeddah and refused to even discuss it with the media, offered praise for Piastri's demeanour.
"He's very solid," the quadruple world champion said.
"He's very calm in his approach, and I like that. It shows on track. He delivers when he has to—barely makes mistakes, and that's what you need when you want to fight for a championship."
Verstappen also credited Piastri's manager, Mark Webber, stating, "I think with Mark by his side, it's helping him a lot. It's great. People learn from their own careers—that's what I had with my dad. But at the end of the day, Oscar is using his talent, and that's great to see."
1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve suggested that Webber's influence extends to Piastri's contract, which reportedly prevents McLaren from favouring Norris.
"According to the contract, McLaren is not allowed to favour Lando over Oscar," Villeneuve claimed.
"As long as both are fighting for the title, there will be no team orders—unless something crucial for the constructors' championship is at stake or one of them has a technical problem."
Piastri's 'ice-boy' persona resonates with his mother's observations. Recalling a cycling incident where she crashed, Nicole noted that Oscar's heart-rate data revealed his concern, despite his outward calm. "Ah, so you do have a heart—we just don't see it," she told him.
Piastri reinforced this duality, telling Bild, "When I'm at home, I completely switch off from Formula 1 and all the hustle and bustle. There, I'm just Oscar."
Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko even views Piastri as a genuine threat to Verstappen's title streak. "With performances like those in recent races," he told Speed Week, "he is establishing himself as the main challenger. However, it remains to be seen whether Oscar can maintain this level of performance throughout the entire season.
"Last year, there were one or two tracks where he fell behind Lando Norris, either slightly or significantly."
