Chaz Mostert Wins First Supercars Title But Doesn't Feel Like Number One

Chaz Mostert won his first Supercars championship after 13 tries. However, he feels new drivers like Ryan Wood are now a bigger challenge than before.
By Newsroom | Motorsport, Australia |

Chaz Mostert, after thirteen attempts, has finally secured his first Supercars championship. While the title bestows upon him the right to display the number one on his new Toyota Supra, Mostert reports he does not feel like the reigning champion. This sentiment appears linked to the emergence of new challenges and the ongoing development of other drivers, including his own teammate, Ryan Wood, who has shown significant progress. Mostert's journey to this point has been marked by determined performances, including victories achieved from challenging starting positions.

New Supercars champ identifies title threat… and reveals why he doesn’t feel like No. 1 - 1

Context and Progression

The Supercars championship concluded its recent season in Adelaide, where Chaz Mostert achieved his maiden title. This victory places him in a novel position, entering a season with the number one designation for the first time in his career. The racing landscape is dynamic, with drivers like Ryan Wood demonstrating rapid development. Wood's sophomore season saw him become a consistent challenger to his teammate, indicating a shift in the competitive balance. Mostert's past performances include notable wins, such as his first career victory on the Adelaide streets, and recent successes from outside the top ten starting grid positions.

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New Supercars champ identifies title threat… and reveals why he doesn’t feel like No. 1 - 2

Championship Dynamics and Driver Performance

  • Chaz Mostert's Perspective: Despite holding the championship title, Mostert expresses a disconnect between his current status and his internal perception of being "number one." This may stem from the increased competition and the notable growth of other drivers.

  • Ryan Wood's Trajectory: Wood's performance in his second season has been described as taking "significant strides." His consistent challenge to his teammate suggests he is a rising contender within the field.

  • Past Victories and Strategy: Mostert has a history of strong performances at various circuits, including the Gold Coast and Sandown, and is known for his speed in Adelaide. His wins have sometimes required him to navigate through the field, aided by effective race pace and strategic planning by his team, Penrite.

  • Teammate Dynamics: The performance of Will Brown, Mostert's teammate, is also under scrutiny. His "superior race gain versus Feeney" is noted, but questions remain about his ability to perform under extreme pressure.

Comparable Racing Scenarios: F1 Drivers and Title Pursuits

Similar themes of championship contention and perceived threats are present in Formula 1. Following disqualifications at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Max Verstappen has re-emerged as a significant contender. This situation has led Lando Norris to view Verstappen and Oscar Piastri as "equal threats."

New Supercars champ identifies title threat… and reveals why he doesn’t feel like No. 1 - 3

  • Norris's Stance: Despite a points advantage, Norris reportedly does not feel his competitive situation has fundamentally changed, maintaining that both Verstappen and Piastri pose an equivalent challenge. The disqualification for excessive plank wear in Las Vegas, which saw both McLaren cars fail post-race inspections, has introduced a degree of uncertainty into what was previously perceived as a near-certainty for Norris's maiden title.

  • Piastri's Resilience: Oscar Piastri, having lost the championship lead to Norris, remains confident in his ability to win. He believes the "real Oscar" has not diminished, attributing recent difficulties to a "tough couple of weekends" with "lessons to learn." He expresses increased confidence in his available racing tools, rather than relying on strategies that worked earlier in the season. The disqualification in Las Vegas is seen by Piastri as a "net negative" despite his improved championship standing.

Performance Under Pressure and Future Outlook

The Supercars landscape also features drivers who have experienced setbacks but are looking towards future success.

New Supercars champ identifies title threat… and reveals why he doesn’t feel like No. 1 - 4

  • Brodie Kostecki's Season: A significant qualifying crash on the Gold Coast is identified as the reason for Brodie Kostecki's premature exit from his championship campaign.

  • Anton De Pasquale's Challenges: Post-race penalties in Gold Coast races are cited as the reason Anton De Pasquale's title aspirations were impacted, despite an otherwise "impressive start" at Team 18.

  • Matt Payne's Title Hopes: A controversial incident with Cam Waters in the final race at Sandown is noted as the cause of Matt Payne's elimination from title contention.

Expert Observations and Industry Developments

Motorsport news indicates broader industry shifts. MotoGP is reportedly adopting strategies similar to Formula 1, with a surprising change in venue for the Australian Grand Prix, where Phillip Island was not successful in retaining hosting rights. In Supercars, Toyota is preparing for its debut at the Sydney 500, though its immediate competitiveness in 2026 is a subject of speculation.

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Conclusion and Forward View

Chaz Mostert's maiden Supercars championship win marks a significant personal achievement, yet his internal feeling of not being "number one" suggests a keen awareness of the evolving competitive environment. The emergence of drivers like Ryan Wood, coupled with established contenders and past champions facing their own challenges, indicates a dynamic and unpredictable future for the series. In parallel, Formula 1 narratives highlight how unexpected results and technical infringements can rapidly alter championship standings, testing the resilience and confidence of top drivers. The introduction of new manufacturers, such as Toyota into Supercars, further underscores the continuous transformation within professional motorsport. The current data does not permit a definitive statement on how these individual perceptions and industry shifts will ultimately shape future championship outcomes.

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Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Did Chaz Mostert win the Supercars championship?
Yes, Chaz Mostert won his first Supercars championship in Adelaide after 13 attempts. He will race with the number one on his car next season.
Q: Why does Chaz Mostert not feel like the number one driver?
Mostert feels that new drivers, like his teammate Ryan Wood, are improving fast and are now a bigger challenge. He knows the competition is getting harder.
Q: Who is Ryan Wood and why is he a threat?
Ryan Wood is Chaz Mostert's teammate and has made big improvements in his second year. He has become a strong competitor to Mostert, showing he is a driver to watch.
Q: What happened in Formula 1 with Lando Norris and Max Verstappen?
In Formula 1, Lando Norris sees Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri as equal threats to his title chances. This is after both McLaren cars were disqualified in Las Vegas, making the championship race more open.
Q: What challenges did other Supercars drivers face?
Brodie Kostecki had a crash that ended his season early. Anton De Pasquale faced penalties, and Matt Payne was removed from title fights after a race incident with Cam Waters.