Oscar Piastri shocked the Formula 1 paddock at the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, snatching pole position from McLaren teammate Lando Norris by just 0.012s. While Norris dominated all three practice sessions, it was Piastri who rose to the occasion when it mattered most.
Lando Norris Dominates Practice at Zandvoort
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Lando Norris topped all three practice sessions at the Dutch GP.
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He has now finished P1 in seven of the 15 FP1 sessions in 2025.
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In total, Norris has appeared in the top three 12 times this season.
This made Norris the clear favorite heading into qualifying.
Oscar Piastri Strikes in Qualifying
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Despite a slower start to the weekend, Piastri outpaced Norris in Q3 by 0.012s.
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The Australian denied his teammate a crucial pole position.
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Although Norris later suffered an engine failure in the race, Piastri’s qualifying performance highlighted his growing confidence.
Oscar Piastri Explains His “Slow Start” Approach
Piastri has often been accused of building momentum across F1 weekends. However, he insists it’s not a deliberate tactic:
“It’s happened a few times this year where it started a bit slow and then got better as the weekend went on… Not always on purpose. I was hoping to build up quicker than I did this weekend, but in the end, it was enough.”
He added that unlike last year, he’s now able to find the missing pace by the crucial sessions.
The “Oscar-like Weekend”
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Piastri described his Zandvoort performance as the classic “Oscar-like weekend.”
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He peaked at the right moment in qualifying and carried that confidence into the race.
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His ability to step up in critical sessions shows his maturity as a Formula 1 race winner in 2025.
READ MORE: Oscar Piastri Says McLaren’s Biggest Advantage Isn’t What You Think – Sportskila
Key Takeaway
Oscar Piastri’s pole at the Dutch Grand Prix 2025 is proof that he thrives under pressure. While Lando Norris continues to dominate practice sessions, it’s Piastri who delivers when it counts most—making McLaren’s internal rivalry one of the most fascinating storylines of the season.
