Alex Brundle praises Oscar Piastri's 'smart' Japanese GP drive

McLaren's Oscar Piastri delivered a standout performance at the Japanese Grand Prix, earning high praise from F1 TV analyst Alex Brundle for his intelligent racecraft and energy management. After a disastrous start to the 2026 season with two DNS results, Piastri converted a third-place grid start into a strong second-place finish, signaling a potential turnaround for the Mercedes-powered team.

Why it matters:

For a McLaren team that has struggled to match its dominant 2025 form, Piastri's result is a crucial confidence booster and points haul. His smart driving under pressure demonstrates the maturity needed to maximize a car's potential and fight back in the constructors' championship, where every point counts against rivals Ferrari and Mercedes.

The details:

• Alex Brundle highlighted Piastri's composure and strategic thinking, particularly when managing faster cars in traffic. He noted the driver's understanding of Suzuka's parameters and his precise deployment of electrical energy.
• Brundle specified that Piastri expertly allowed cars to pass him to regain a strategic advantage: "to take not only the boost back down the start/finish straight, but also the overtake for the next lap to then not only maintain the position."
• The result marked a significant step forward for McLaren at a circuit where its MCL60 showed improved performance, offering hope that the team can close the gap to the front.
• In the standings, McLaren remains third with 46 points, behind Ferrari (90) and leaders Mercedes (135). Piastri's 21 points place him sixth in the drivers' championship, directly behind teammate Lando Norris in fifth.

What's next:

The Japanese GP result provides McLaren with vital momentum and data. The team will look to build on this performance in the coming races to consistently challenge for podiums and chip away at the deficit to Ferrari and Mercedes in both championships. For Piastri, converting this strong drive into a string of reliable finishes will be key to moving up the drivers' standings.