Mika Hakkinen – two-time F1 world champion – has predicted that Oscar Piastri will put ‘pressure’ on Max Verstappen in 2024 after doing so to Lando Norris during his rookie season. The McLaren star beat the reigning world champion to a sprint race win in Qatar in what could prove to be a warning shot to the sport’s established elites.
After a year on the sidelines with Alpine off the back of consecutive Formula Three and Formula Two title wins, Piastri made his F1 debut in Bahrain and he quickly made a positive impression, picking up points on just his third Grand Prix start at his home race.
From there, the 22-year-old improved in line with McLaren’s development trajectory, closing the gap to his highly-rated team-mate. Piastri was extremely unfortunate not to claim a maiden F1 podium at Silverstone, but that honour did arrive later in the year in Japan, where he followed Norris across the line to seal a P3 finish.
This result was followed up with a P2 finish at the next round of the season in Qatar, but that weekend also produced his first-ever F1 victory as he pipped three-time world champion Verstappen to the line in the sprint race.
Speaking to German newspaper BILD, Hakkinen explained: “I expect a lot from McLaren. After a disastrous start to the season last year, they have developed very well and, above all, consistently. With Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, they probably have the strongest driver pairing next to Ferrari.”
The legendary Finn was then asked whether or not they have surpassed himself and David Coulthard’s combination as McLaren team-mates between 1996 and 2001, to which he responded: “Not yet! But both have the potential to become world champions. Piastri is putting pressure on Norris. And Verstappen will also feel that this year.”
Hakkinen isn’t the only major F1 figure who believes that Norris and Piastri could cause trouble for Verstappen in 2024. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has also pointed out the threat that the McLaren pairing will pose.
“I think McLaren had a great second half of the year,” he told Sky Sports. There were times when they were our closest competitor. They have strengthened their team and Rob [Marshall] will be an asset, but it’s not just about one person.
“There are seven or eight hundred people in an F1 team and it needs the whole team to come together. With Lando and Oscar – who was really impressive as a debutant – they could well be a factor next year.”
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