The 1997 Formula One world champion highlighted a key similarity that has emerged between Oscar Piastri and Lewis Hamilton this season.
After taking race victories in Hungary and Baku last year, Piastri has proven his title credentials throughout the opening six races of 2025, winning on four occasions to establish a 16-point lead over teammate Lando Norris.
As the F1 circus rolls back into Europe, the Emilia Romagna GP plays host for what is sure to be another intriguing motor race, as Piastri eyes up a fourth straight win.
Norris has come under much criticism this year after making a series of silly errors, most notably in qualifying for the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
His Aussie teammate has capitalised on this, which has led to fans and pundits alike tipping him to take Max Verstappen’s world championship off the Dutchman.
Piastri’s low-key and calm persona has been well-received by many within the paddock, who interpret his style as refreshing.
The 1997 world champion, Jacques Villeneuve, believes his personality can potentially even give him a competitive advantage, in a similar fashion to which Lewis Hamilton once enjoyed.
Jacques Villeneuve highlights key similarity between Oscar Piastri and Lewis Hamilton
The Canadian veteran, who won the 1997 title with Williams, weighed in on Piastri’s current success and why his likability can go a long way.
“Piastri is loved,” he explained to Vision4Sport. “He’s like the golden child right now.
“If something happens, he won’t be given penalties as easily as Max Verstappen is, for instance. That’s also a big help in fighting for a championship.
“It reminds me of when we had Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg fighting for the championship. If they made the same move, Nico would get a penalty. In the following race, if Lewis made the same move, he wouldn’t be penalised.
“There is this slight unbalance which is human and Piastri is on the right side of the balance.”
Can Piastri extend his championship lead in Imola?
The racing comes thick and fast in 2025, with the seventh race of the year fast approaching.
McLaren have emerged as the team to beat and look set to defend their Constructors’ championship title, already enjoying a 105-point lead over Mercedes.
Piastri has relished the chance to pick up his maiden title – a reality his teammate seems to be struggling to cope with.
| Driver | Oscar Piastri | Lando Norris |
| Wins | 4 | 1 |
| Podiums | 5 | 5 |
| Pole Positions | 2 | 1 |
| Points | 131 | 115 |
On the balance of form, Piastri is the clear favourite heading into the Emilia Romagna GP – however, Norris looked quick in Miami and if it wasn’t for a first-lap scrap with Verstappen, arguably would’ve gone on to claim victory in the Sunshine State.
Mercedes are expected to introduce a sizeable upgrade package at Imola, which could push George Russell and Kimi Antonelli into the battle for a race win.
However, if McLaren can maintain their advantage over the field, it certainly wouldn’t be a shock to see Piastri continue his flying form and notch a fourth straight win, further extending his championship lead.
Former Alpine reserve driver Franco Colapinto has been promoted into a race seat at the expense of Jack Doohan, who was dropped following a disappointing Miami GP.
Lights out for the Emilia Romagna GP will be at 2 pm on Sunday, May 18.
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