Jolyon Palmer Predicts Who Will Win the Austrian Grand Prix, And It’s Not Oscar Piastri

Former British Formula One driver Jolyon Palmer has predicted who will win the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend.

Although McLaren pilot Oscar Piastri has been the standout in the 2025 season, Palmer does not see the Australian winning at the Red Bull Ring on June 29. He, however, still expects the F1 Drivers’ Championship leader to finish on the podium.

Oscar Piastri Has Outshone Lando Norris This Year

In the final race of the 2024 F1 season, McLaren clinched the Constructors’ Championship, beating Ferrari to the punch. It marked their first title since 1998. Lando Norris, who finished behind Max Verstappen, was the lead McLaren, claiming 374 points. Oscar Piastri, meanwhile, ended in fourth place with 292 points.

Fans expected Norris to finally get the better of Verstappen and emerge as the Drivers’ Champion. Piastri, however, flipped the script, beating Norris and taking the lead in the championship. Out of ten races, Piasti has won five and Norris just two. The Australian driver has 198 points to his name — 22 more than the Brit.

📊 Oscar Piastri has won only 1 of the last 4 races yet no driver has outscored him during this span.

Piastri – 67
Norris – 61
Verstappen – 56

That bodes well for his championship case. Very consistent & good with damage limitation. pic.twitter.com/vyJgs1Y0XO

— Daniel Valente 🏎️ (@F1GuyDan) June 25, 2025

In the previous round, Norris crashed into Piastri while trying to overtake down the main straight. The championship leader came out unscathed, but Norris crashed out. Their encounter has led to speculation about their future together, with reports suggesting McLaren had already identified a back-up.

Austrian Grand Prix Prediction: Jolyon Palmer Names Driver Who Will Beat Oscar Piastri

In the 10th Grand Prix of the season in Canada, George Russell took the chequered flag, making him a contender for the win in Austria. Jolyon Palmer, however, placed the Russell outside of the top three in Austria.

Palmer backed Red Bull hero Max Verstappen to return to the top step, beating the McLaren duo.

Speaking via F1 Nation, the racer-turned-commentator said:

“I think this is a Max win in Austria. 

“So I’m going to go, Max, Oscar, Lando, on the podium, getting the confidence back.”

checo: “people may think i enjoy what's happening now, but no. the truth is that max verstappen deserves all the success he has. he’s an incredible driver and very few people understand how he works. he’s exceptional.”

[de telegraaf] pic.twitter.com/5qq7mvyRwV

— nini (@SCUDERIAFEMBOY) June 25, 2025

With 155 points, reigning world champion Verstappen is in third in the driver standings. With a win in Austria, he would reduce the gap to Piastri to 36 points. The Dutchman, however, will have to tread carefully, as he only narrowly avoided a race ban in the Spanish GP.

Who Won the Austrian Grand Prix in 2024?

The Austrian Grand Prix turned out to be one of the most eventful races of the 2024 season. Max Verstappen got pole position and was in the lead for the majority of the race.

With just eight laps to go, Verstappen crashed with Lando Norris while fighting for the lead. George Russell was the beneficiary, as he jumped from third place to first following the collision. Oscar Piastri finished second behind race-winner Russell, with Carlos Sainz taking third place.

Last 10 Austrian Grand Prix Winners