“Yes, Absolutely”: Riccardo Confirms Helmet Switch With Piastri Is Reason Why He’s Leading Championship

ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact

Daniel Ricciardo has confirmed he believes a helmet swap with Oscar Piastri is the key reason behind the 23-year-old’s shock lead in the 2025 Formula One Drivers’ Championship.

Speaking to media ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Ricciardo said the helmet exchange, made during last year’s Singapore Grand Prix, had a very real impact on the direction of Piastri’s driving career.

“Yes, absolutely,” Ricciardo said.

“We switched lids in Singapore. Since then, he’s been untouchable. There’s something in that helmet. I felt it, and now he’s got it.”

Ricciardo, who got dropped after that Singapore race for Kiwi Liam Lawson who recently got dropped himself, said he was not joking when asked if he genuinely believed the equipment change had caused a shift in energy.

“I’m not saying it’s magic,” Ricciardo added.

“Well, actually I am. Oscar’s got it [helmet] and he’s finding time in sectors nobody else can. You tell me.”

Piastri, who has secured three wins and two podiums in the opening six rounds of the season, now leads the championship standings by 14 points over Max Verstappen. McLaren sources confirm the helmet remains close to the Melbournease driver at all times.

When asked about Ricciardo’s claim, Piastri declined to comment directly but said, “If it’s working, I’m not changing anything.”

McLaren engineers have dismissed any performance-based explanation, stating that only Williams [Mercedes] belive in magic, because what else can they believe in if not for that.

However, multiple team members acknowledged Ricciardo’s long-standing belief in symbolic rituals and “momentum gear.”

The Miami Grand Prix begins next month, with Piastri