Piastri admits missing title-fight stress as McLaren targets Red Bull in constructors' race

Oscar Piastri has admitted he misses the stress of a Formula 1 title fight after a difficult 2026 campaign left the McLaren driver seventh in the drivers’ standings with just three races remaining.

The Australian was a genuine championship contender throughout much of last season, leading the standings for extended spells before finishing third behind team-mate Lando Norris and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. This year has been a stark contrast: Piastri has yet to finish on the podium, let alone win a race.

“I want to be in a championship fight every year if I can be, but also, it’s definitely a bit more relaxed this year,” Piastri said. “Obviously, we’re not wanting to be in this position, but there’s not quite the same stress. But that stress that you have in a championship fight is the feeling you want, because it means you’re fighting for something that is what your goal is. I am missing that feeling this year for sure.”

McLaren has struggled to replicate the pace that made it a frontrunner under the previous regulations, and Piastri was candid about the challenges the new car has presented. “It wasn’t that easy to drive, and it’s still not been easy to drive, even now,” he said. “It took us a while to understand exactly what needed to change, and then trying to actually change it is tough. But we’re making progress with it slowly.”

There were signs of improvement at the Brazilian Grand Prix, where Norris won at Interlagos after McLaren introduced a new front wing designed to improve predictability. Piastri recovered to sixth having been eliminated in Q2 qualifying.

With the title out of reach, Piastri has shifted his focus to the constructors’ championship, where McLaren sits fourth — 17 points behind Red Bull. “Just keep learning and ultimately try and beat Red Bull in the constructors’ championship. That’s the big thing,” he said. “It’s not going to be an easy task for sure, but I think it’s possible. I think the car took a step forward this weekend, so hopefully that keeps going.”

Piastri also confirmed on Monday that he has parted ways with his long-time manager Mark Webber, the former Red Bull driver who had guided his career since his junior racing days. The split marks a significant off-track change for the 24-year-old as he heads into the final stretch of the season, with Las Vegas next on the calendar.