Formula 1, Sportrik Media - 1997 F1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve advises Oscar Piastri to completely forget about missing out on the 2025 drivers' championship when he returns for the 2026 season. The Canadian believes the Australian must come back as a "completely new man" to start fresh.
Oscar Piastri led the standings for much of 2025, holding a 34-point lead over teammate Lando Norris after winning the Dutch Grand Prix. However, a dip in form—including a chaotic Azerbaijan weekend and underwhelming results in Austin, Mexico City, and São Paulo—saw him relinquish his advantage in the final nine rounds.
Ultimately, Oscar Piastri finished third overall, 13 points behind Lando Norris and behind Max Verstappen. Villeneuve highlights that this was particularly tough for Piastri, who had the title within reach.
"You have to be tough," Villeneuve told PokerScout. "That’s the crux of it. On the outside, it looks all nice and chummy, but it’s a tough world. And it didn’t work out this year, and he knows he had that championship in his hand. He was controlling it. And that’s why it’s tougher for him than for Max, for example, who never expected to win it anyway. Out of the three drivers, it’s toughest for Oscar. Because he finished third in the end, behind Max, not even second. That will grate on him."
Villeneuve emphasizes the need for a mental reset over the winter. He hopes Oscar Piastri returns to the first 2026 test with a clear mind, free from any lingering disappointment.
"That’s something that he will have to digest this winter. Hopefully for him, he comes back to that first test a completely new man, forgetting completely about this season. He starts from zero, and fresh," Villeneuve added.
This experience serves as a valuable lesson for the nine-time grand prix winner. Backed by the strong McLaren team, Oscar Piastri is expected to return more resilient, ready to challenge Lando Norris and Max Verstappen in 2026.
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