Oscar Piastri Finds Renewed Focus After Christmas Break Down Under
Australian Formula 1 sensation Oscar Piastri has opened up about how a festive season spent back home has revitalised his mindset following the disappointment of missing out on last year's championship title. In an exclusive interview with 7NEWS, conducted by Matt White in the Middle East, the McLaren driver shared insights as he tests cars ahead of next month's highly anticipated Melbourne Grand Prix.
Reflecting on a Season of Highs and Lows
Piastri's 2025 campaign was a rollercoaster ride, marked by early success and late setbacks. He secured victories in five of the first nine races, positioning himself as a strong contender to become Australia's first world champion since 1980. However, a challenging latter part of the season saw him finish third overall, with his British teammate Lando Norris clinching the championship. When asked about the drama, Piastri remained philosophical, stating, "You know, I think every single season is going to have its ups and downs. And that was certainly the case last year. But I think compared to the first couple of years of my F1 career, there was significantly more ups, which was great."
Addressing Rumours and Political Attention
As his title hopes faded, speculation swirled that McLaren might have favoured Norris over Piastri, leading to divided opinions among fans and analysts. This debate even reached the halls of Australian parliament, with Nationals Senator Matt Canavan raising the issue. Piastri responded to the controversy, emphasising the support he received rather than any foul play. "Yeah, I saw and I think, you know, for me, the takeaway from that was just how closely everyone was supporting it more than anything else. At no point were there any bad intentions or certainly no sabotage like I've seen around a few times," he clarified.
Personal Reset and Hometown Support
Looking ahead to the new season, Piastri is implementing a personal reset strategy. His manager, Mark Webber, will take a step back during race weekends, while Melbourne-based mindset coach Emma Murray will play a more prominent role. Piastri also highlighted the invaluable nature of his Christmas break in Australia, where he reconnected with family and friends. "Just became a normal human and kind of became Oscar the person and Oscar the boyfriend, the son, the brother, rather than Oscar the F1 driver," he explained, underscoring the importance of balancing his professional and personal life.
Gearing Up for Melbourne Grand Prix
Currently in Bahrain for final testing sessions, Piastri is gearing up for the season-opening race in Melbourne next month. He expressed excitement about the overwhelming hometown support, noting that a grandstand at the Albert Park circuit has been named in his honour. "It's a really cool addition and looking forward to seeing everyone there in either their McLaren or Oscar Piastri merch," he said, anticipating a surge in fan enthusiasm. With renewed focus and strong backing, Piastri aims to build on last year's progress and make a serious push for the championship in the upcoming F1 season.
