Piastri tipped to challenge Norris in 2026 title fight

Former McLaren drivers David Coulthard and Juan Pablo Montoya believe Oscar Piastri's expected consistency in 2026 could pose a significant challenge to reigning world champion Lando Norris. While Norris secured his first title in 2025, Montoya suggests he needs more championships to instill genuine fear in his rivals, highlighting the nuanced perception of success in Formula 1.

Why it matters:

The dynamic between Norris and Piastri is central to McLaren's future. Piastri's potential growth from a title contender to a consistent threat could intensify an already competitive intra-team rivalry, shaping both the drivers' legacies and the team's championship ambitions. How each driver responds to their respective pressures—Norris to defend and build a legacy, Piastri to prove he can win the big one—will be a key storyline.

The details:

• David Coulthard, a 13-time grand prix winner, expects Oscar Piastri to be "more consistent over the year" in 2026, which he believes "might make it difficult for Lando."
• Piastri led much of the 2025 championship but a mid-season dip allowed Norris and Max Verstappen back into contention, with Piastri ultimately finishing third.
• Juan Pablo Montoya, a former McLaren race winner, argues that despite his 2025 title, Lando Norris lacks the "fear factor" aura of a dominant champion like Max Verstappen.
  • Montoya states Norris needs "another one or two more championships" for rivals to truly fear him, drawing a parallel to how Verstappen's first hard-fought title in 2021 established his reputation differently.
• The analysis underscores that Norris's title, while deserved, is viewed by some as being achieved with the best car—a common reality in F1 where the fastest machinery is often a prerequisite for victory.

Looking ahead:

The 2026 season presents pivotal challenges for both McLaren drivers. Piastri must demonstrate he has addressed the consistency issues that cost him in 2025 and can perform as a complete package under pressure. Norris, now a champion, faces the different pressure of defending a title and building a legacy beyond a single crown. Furthermore, with new chassis and engine regulations for 2026, the competitiveness of the McLaren MCL40 will be the ultimate factor determining whether either driver gets a shot at the championship, making the team's technical development as crucial as the drivers' performances.