Former Formula One driver Johnny Herbert has delivered a blunt assessment of Oscar Piastri’s 2025 campaign, insisting the Australian has only himself to blame for missing out on a maiden world championship.
Piastri appeared firmly in control of the title fight earlier in the season after a string of dominant performances before the summer break.
At that stage, he looked poised to convert his early momentum into a first F1 crown.
However, a combination of disappointing results and questionable strategic calls allowed rivals to close the gap.
Momentum Slips Away After Summer Break
As the season progressed, Piastri was overtaken by McLaren teammate Lando Norris and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
The shift in momentum proved costly, with Piastri unable to reassert control during the final phase of the championship.
He ultimately finished the season 11 points behind Verstappen and 13 points adrift of Norris.
For Herbert, those margins reflect missed opportunities rather than bad luck.
Herbert Offers No Sympathy
Speaking about the title outcome, Herbert made it clear he felt no sympathy for the young driver.
“I don’t feel sympathy for Oscar (Piastri), because he’s achieved a great season, finishing as he has,” Herbert said.
“It was a strong end to the season as well. Had that massively strong start and everything seemed to be in his favour.”
Herbert suggested that Piastri failed to capitalise when the pressure was highest.
“But for some reason, he let it fall through his fingers,” he added.
Questions Raised Over Mental Strength
Herbert also challenged the widely held perception of Piastri’s mental toughness.
“The quality that we had seen evaporated. It was going so well at that point,” he said.
“A lot of people always talk about his mental strength. But actually, I think it’s the mental strength that probably needs to be strengthened.”
According to Herbert, the situation demanded a more ruthless response.
“He missed a slam dunk. He has to get stronger. In the situation he was in, it should have been a done deal.”
Comparisons With Championship Rivals
Herbert contrasted Piastri’s approach with that of his main competitors.
“Max would not allow that to have happened,” he said.
“Nor did Lando at the end of the day. He grew and took on the mantle of being the team’s number 1.”
The comments underline the fine margins at the top of Formula One, where composure and decisiveness often define champions.
For Piastri, the 2025 season may ultimately be remembered as a painful learning experience rather than a breakthrough triumph.
