Oscar Piastri is in his fourth year in Formula 1. The Australian had a false start this season with two retirements during the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix, but remained his level-headed self even then. According to Piastri, as a now experienced F1 driver, it is much easier to stay himself because he feels much more at ease than during his debut year: ‘I can now make jokes about not driving the first two races.’
Read more Mekies sees ‘burning desire’ at Red Bull to return: ‘They are in attack mode’
Oscar Piastri started the 2026 season with two retirements. The Australian thus experienced his worst season start since his debut in Formula 1, but handled the disappointing opening phase remarkably calmly. “There’s no point in getting annoyed or being sad about it,” the McLaren driver said ahead of the Japanese GP. Piastri then took second place at Suzuka.
‘Important to stay myself’
Speaking to Australia’s Fox Sports, the McLaren driver opens up about how the 2026 season has been going for him so far. “I certainly feel more at ease now than in my first year in F1,” Piastri says. “I think it has always been very important to me to just be myself off the track as well and not force something that doesn’t suit me.” The fact that the Australian is now opening up more and more was not a matter of time, however, but of progress. “That is always linked to performance on the track. I often find it very difficult to be funny or make jokes about people if you can’t back it up on the track anyway.”
Read more McLaren talent completes test at Silverstone: ‘Great to be back in the MCL60’
According to Piastri, his experience in Formula 1 helps him feel a bit more at ease in the premier class and show more of his personality. “I think when you feel more comfortable, you make jokes about not driving the first two races of the year or things like that,” the Australian says with a wink.
Read more Pérez surprised by Alonso’s disappointing performances: ‘Hoped he would be fighting at the top’
Read all about the Miami GP here
