Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Oscar Piastri has defended McLaren CEO Zak Brown ahead of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, insisting their relationship remains strong despite criticism that emerged in Australia following last season’s title controversy.
Brown became a divisive figure among Australian fans after McLaren’s strategic decisions during the 2025 campaign were widely blamed for undermining Piastri’s drivers’ championship challenge. Several tactical calls during key races, including events at Monza and Qatar, were viewed as contributing factors to the Australian driver losing momentum in the title fight.
The situation drew significant attention in Piastri’s home country, with even a national politician publicly questioning how McLaren managed the 24-year-old’s championship campaign. Ultimately, the drivers’ title was secured by his team-mate Lando Norris.
Responding to questions about Brown being labelled a “villain” in Australia, Piastri dismissed the suggestion and reaffirmed that his relationship with the McLaren executive remains positive.
“My relationship with Zak is very good, and I think it has only grown stronger the longer we’ve known each other.”
“He’s good fun and a great person to have around. I think he and Andrea Stella are two people with very different styles that actually work very well together.”
Piastri acknowledged that McLaren experienced difficult moments during the 2025 season, but stressed that such situations are common within competitive teams.
“The relationship between Zak and me is good.”
“Obviously, as a team — not just Zak and I — we had some tough moments through last year, as any team does, but I think our relationship has only become stronger from that.”
Looking ahead to the 2026 campaign, Piastri aims to continue progressing in his Formula 1 career, although he recognises the challenge posed by the major technical regulation changes introduced this season, particularly around power units.
The regulation reset is expected to reshape the competitive order across the grid. Nevertheless, Piastri remains confident he can continue improving after applying lessons learned from previous seasons.
“It’s difficult to know because the season hasn’t started yet.”
“But what’s different this year is obviously the regulation reset.”
According to Piastri, experiences gained during previous off-seasons and development cycles should help him adapt to the new generation of cars.
“Some of the off-seasons I’ve had before and the things I’ve learned from them are definitely transferable into this year.”
He also noted that the new technical package requires drivers to adjust aspects of their driving style.
“Some of the challenges, including driving style changes and things we are exploring, are quite different from anything we’ve probably seen before.”
Despite the uncertainty created by the new rules, Piastri believes he can still take another step forward in performance.
“I’m confident that I can take another step forward, hopefully using the same processes I’ve followed over the last few years.”
The Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne will offer Piastri his first opportunity to evaluate both his personal progress and McLaren’s competitiveness at the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
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