Piastri Eyes 2026 Comeback After Brundle's 'Vengeance' Prediction

Oscar Piastri is approaching the 2026 F1 season with confidence, stating his strong 2025 campaign proved his capabilities, even as Sky Sports pundit Martin Brundle predicts the McLaren driver will return with a "vengeance" following a painful end to last year's title fight.

Why it matters:

Piastri's third season in F1 was a breakout, putting him in a genuine championship battle for the first time. His response to falling short—and the lessons learned—will be critical for McLaren's future success. With new technical regulations for 2026, his development trajectory is a key variable in whether the team can sustain a title challenge against rivals like Red Bull and Ferrari.

The details:

• In 2025, Piastri matched teammate and eventual champion Lando Norris with seven race wins and led the standings by 34 points at one stage, but a inconsistent finish saw him drop to third in the final championship order.
• Martin Brundle analyzed that the season was "partly painful, partly brilliant" for Piastri, who learned a great deal. Brundle pointed out a recognized weakness on low-grip circuits but was impressed by the dominance of some of his victories.
• Piastri himself acknowledges the progress, saying, "I feel like last year I really proved to myself the things that I’m capable of," while admitting there are still areas to improve.
• The 2026 season introduces a major regulatory reset with 50% electrification, sustainable fuels, and active aerodynamics. McLaren's new MCL40 completed 291 laps in its Barcelona shakedown, providing the first data point for the new era.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Piastri's adaptation to the new 2026 car and whether he can eliminate the inconsistencies that cost him last year. Brundle's belief that the disappointment will drive him to make "a big step forward" sets a high expectation. His performance will be central to McLaren's bid to defend its constructors' title and support Norris's championship defense, shaping the team's dynamic for years to come.