Damon Hill to Oscar Piastri: Be More Ruthless to Win the F1 Title

1996 F1 champion Damon Hill is advising McLaren's Oscar Piastri to adopt a more ruthless and selfish mindset if he wants to win a world championship. Hill suggests that Piastri's compliance with team orders in 2025, particularly giving back a position to teammate Lando Norris at Monza, was a critical mistake that potentially cost him a title shot. The core message is that at the highest level of motorsport, a driver must prioritize their own career above team harmony when fighting for the ultimate prize.

Why it matters:

This advice strikes at the heart of a classic Formula 1 dilemma: balancing team objectives with a driver's personal ambition. McLaren's policy of providing equal opportunities to both Piastri and Norris created a volatile internal dynamic. Hill's comments highlight the immense psychological pressure and the cutthroat mentality required to become a champion, suggesting that past "fairness" could be perceived as a weakness in a title fight against a direct rival, even one who shares your garage.

The details:

• The Monza Controversy: Hill pointed to the Italian Grand Prix as a pivotal moment. After Norris lost the lead due to a slow pit stop, Piastri was ordered by the team to give the position back. Hill questioned the logic, asking why a driver would "give points away to a guy you could be fighting for the world championship."
• A Lesson Learned: Hill believes Piastri will reflect on this and think, "Well, maybe I won’t do that again." The incident showcased the fine line between being a good teammate and a ruthless title contender.
• The Qatar Low Point: The former champion also identified Piastri's disqualification in Qatar, along with Norris, for excessive plank wear as the Australian driver's lowest point of the season, compounding his frustration and championship woes.
• The "Selfish" Mandate: Hill's core advice for Piastri moving forward is to be more self-interested. He urged the young driver to tell McLaren, "I have to think of myself... It’s my career... I can’t afford to do that. That could have cost me the world championship."

Looking Ahead:

As Piastri sets his sights on a future title, Hill's advice will likely shape his approach for the 2026 season and beyond. Expect a more assertive Piastri, one who may challenge team management if similar situations arise. This could lead to increased tension within McLaren, forcing the team to develop a clearer strategy for managing two championship-caliber drivers. How Piastri balances his renewed ruthlessness with his relationship with the team and Norris will be a defining factor in his quest to become a world champion.