‘He’s a fighter’: Damon Hill defends Oscar Piastri from former champion criticism

1996 world champion Damon Hill has defended Oscar Piastri against criticism from Nico Rosberg and Jacques Villeneuve, insisting the McLaren driver remains a "fighter" who will rebound from his early 2026 struggles. Hill attributed Piastri's subdued form to the psychological toll of falling short in the 2025 title fight, while also previewing his upcoming Australian speaking tour.

Why it matters:

Hill's defense highlights the intense pressure facing young drivers who challenge for championships, offering a veteran perspective on the psychological toll of a hard-fought title fight.

The details:

• The criticism: Rosberg suggested Piastri's standing took "a bit of a plunge" versus 2025, while Villeneuve claimed "nobody's talking about him anymore."
• Hill's rebuttal: "What do Jacques and Nico know? They're there to say controversial things," Hill said, while admitting there was "some truth" to their observations.
• The mental toll: Hill believes Piastri is wrestling with the loss of the 2025 title and the reality that neither McLaren driver has a title shot this year.
• The bottom line: Hill called Piastri a "winner" and urged Australian fans to rally behind him.

What's next:

Hill is bringing his speaking tour to Australia and New Zealand in September alongside Tom Clarkson. He also weighed in on the 2026 title fight, praising Kimi Antonelli's sophomore surge and Hamilton's Barcelona win, while warning that rapid development under new regulations means Ferrari could challenge Mercedes if the Silver Arrows falter.