Oscar Piastri is reflecting on a year of growth as he gears up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, despite not clinching the World Championship in 2025. The Australian driver made significant strides both on and off the track, enhancing his skills in preparation for a new title challenge. Returning to his hometown of Melbourne during the off-season, Piastri noted that the support from fans was “up another level,” a sentiment he expressed in an interview with 7News.
Piastri, who competed for McLaren, led the 2025 Drivers’ Championship for a significant portion of the season. However, a decline in performance on circuits with lower grip coincided with a resurgence from teammates Lando Norris and Max Verstappen. Ultimately, Norris secured the championship title, while Piastri finished third, unable to capitalize on a late-season performance boost.
In anticipation of the upcoming season, which begins at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne, Piastri conveyed excitement about the local support. “It’s going to be a busy season once again, and obviously, opening in Melbourne is great. Very busy, though,” he stated. The enthusiasm from fans was palpable during his recent visit home, where he felt a noticeable increase in recognition. “A few more people knew who I was… The biggest thing was just how many people said, well done, or acknowledged me in the street,” he added.
Reflecting on the highs and lows of 2025, Piastri acknowledged a challenging period where he lost a 34-point lead in the championship. Despite the setbacks, he expressed optimism about his development as a driver. “Every single season is going to have its ups and downs… Compared to the first couple of years of my F1 career, there were significantly more ups, which was great,” he noted.
Piastri emphasized the lessons learned throughout the season, stating, “You always learn more in the tougher moments or the bad moments.” He remains determined to harness these experiences as he prepares for the 2026 campaign. The transition to this new season has not been straightforward for drivers, with significant changes in chassis and engine regulations. The increased electrical power in engines has raised discussions about energy management, which will be crucial in the upcoming season.
“Still figuring out, I think,” Piastri commented regarding the adjustments required in his driving. The learning curve involves understanding not only the new car dynamics but also the specific traits of the power unit. “In terms of the driving, figuring out the tools I need to drive as fast as I can, that’s what testing is so critical for this year,” he explained.
As Piastri looks ahead to the challenges of 2026, he is focused on refining his approach to racing weekends and the overall season. “There’s definitely some lessons from last year that I can take into 2026,” he concluded. The anticipation is mounting for the season opener in Melbourne, where Piastri will aim to translate his growth into success on the track.
