Oscar Piastri is preparing for the upcoming F1 2026 season with a renewed sense of determination, reflecting on his progress during 2025 despite not securing the World Championship. The Australian driver, who competes for McLaren, acknowledges the importance of the support he received from his hometown of Melbourne during the off-season. Piastri noted that the local backing has reached “up another level,” providing him with motivation as he gears up for the new season.
During the 2025 season, Piastri led the Drivers’ Championship for a significant portion of the year. However, a decline in performance on lower-grip circuits coincided with a resurgence from his teammate Lando Norris and rival Max Verstappen. Ultimately, Norris clinched the championship title, leaving Piastri to finish third, despite a late-season return to form.
Returning to Melbourne over the winter has allowed Piastri to reflect on the year as a whole. He expressed excitement about starting the 2026 season at the Albert Park circuit, stating, “It’s going to be a busy season once again, and obviously, opening in Melbourne is great. Very busy, though.” He also highlighted the increase in recognition he experienced during his recent visit: “A few more people knew who I was. The biggest thing was just how many people said, well done, or just kind of acknowledged me in the street.”
Piastri experienced a season of highs and lows in 2025, having once led the championship by 34 points. A six-race podium drought ultimately hindered his title aspirations. Reflecting on the past year, Piastri said, “I think every single season is going to have its ups and downs, and that was certainly the case last year. But compared to the first couple of years of my F1 career, there were significantly more ups.” He emphasized the value of learning from challenging moments, stating that these experiences will help him in the upcoming season.
As Piastri prepares for 2026, he is focused on identifying the tools necessary to elevate his performance. The transition from last season has brought significant regulatory changes, including new chassis and engine specifications. Energy management has become a crucial topic among drivers, as the increased electrical power from the engines requires careful battery management during races.
Piastri commented on the ongoing adjustments, saying, “Still figuring out, I think. In terms of the lessons from last year, yes. They’re not necessarily things that are always in the car, so to speak, but a bit broader.” He noted the need for experimentation with the car’s preferences, emphasizing the importance of testing in refining his driving approach.
“From previous years, all the cars needed the same driving style, more or less, with some subtle tweaks. This year, we’re getting to know what the car likes and what it doesn’t,” he explained. Piastri is committed to developing both his on-track skills and off-track strategies to maximize his potential in the 2026 season.
As the F1 calendar approaches, Piastri remains optimistic about his chances, knowing he has the support of his fans and the lessons learned from 2025. He aims to harness this positive energy and confidence as he strives for the ultimate prize in Formula 1.
