Rosberg warns Piastri's 'market value' is plunging as Norris gap widens

Nico Rosberg has warned that Oscar Piastri's "market value" has taken a significant hit this season as the McLaren driver struggles to match teammate Lando Norris under Formula 1's new 2026 power unit regulations. While Piastri showed genuine pace in Japan and Miami, he has otherwise been overshadowed by Norris. A worrying 25-second gap in Barcelona, where Piastri only rose to fifth thanks to late retirements, underscored the growing divide.

Why it matters:

Piastri entered 2026 as a championship contender after proving throughout 2025 that he could go toe-to-toe with Norris. His slow adaptation to the new regulations is threatening to relegate him to a supporting role within McLaren at a critical stage of his career. With Norris establishing himself as the team's clear benchmark, Piastri risks seeing his reputation shift from future title threat to inconsistent number two.

The details:

• Barcelona deficit: Piastri finished 25 seconds behind Norris at the Spanish Grand Prix. Without the late retirements of Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc, he would have placed seventh, well adrift of the podium battle.
• Early setbacks: The Australian failed to start the opening two races, immediately burying him in the standings and forcing him to play catch-up.
• Fleeting promise: The Japanese Grand Prix offered a glimpse of his potential, with Piastri in contention for victory until an untimely safety car derailed his challenge.
• Rosberg's verdict: Speaking to Sky F1, the 2016 world champion said Piastri was "on a par with Lando all the time" last season, but that Norris has "jumped ahead" with the new cars while Piastri remains uncomfortable.

What's next:

The next few races will determine whether Piastri can recalibrate his approach to the 2026 machinery and close the gap to his teammate. McLaren needs both drivers at peak level to challenge Mercedes and Red Bull, but team dynamics could harden around Norris if Piastri cannot find answers. How he responds now will likely shape both his season and his long-term standing in the driver market.