Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has backed Oscar Piastri to win the F1 drivers' championship "within the next two years" if McLaren remains competitive.
Ecclestone labelled the Australian as "magic" and argued the 23-year-old "stands out" amongst his peers.
Whilst it is Lando Norris who is closest to fighting Max Verstappen for the title this year, trailing the Dutchman by 52 points with six rounds remaining, the debate over which of the McLaren drivers is "better" is brewing in the F1 paddock.
Piastri has come on strong this year and is increasingly challenging the Briton. However, some, like Damon Hill, feel he is still a few seasons away from being at Norris' level.
The two will likely be close competitors for some time, and McLaren is expected to remain strong until the 2026 regulation changes, at which point the F1 pecking order could be altered.
But Ecclestone's claim certainly raises a question over Piastri's current ability, and where his potential might take him over the next two F1 seasons.
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