Montoya warns Piastri of internal challenge after 2025 title miss
Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya warns Oscar Piastri that his biggest challenge in 2026 may be within McLaren, not just beating new champion Lando Norris on track. Following a season where an early lead evaporated, Piastri must now navigate a team dynamic shifted by his teammate's title.
Oscar Piastri's 2025 championship bid ultimately fell short to teammate Lando Norris, transforming a dominant early-season position into a third-place finish. After leading the standings by 34 points following the Dutch Grand Prix, a combination of errors, incidents, and a loss of form in the final nine races allowed Norris to seize his first title, leaving Piastri to ponder what might have been.
Why it matters:
A driver's standing within their own team is as critical as their performance against rivals. With Norris now crowned champion and carrying the number 1, the internal power dynamic at McLaren has fundamentally shifted. Piastri must now prove he can overcome not just the on-track challenge from his teammate, but also any potential institutional bias that often follows a team's reigning titleholder.
The details:
Juan Pablo Montoya, a seven-time Grand Prix winner, highlighted the psychological and political battle awaiting Piastri. He pointed to existing friction from the 2025 season, including team order discussions in Monza and an on-track collision in Singapore where Norris was deemed at fault but faced no significant team consequence. These incidents, according to Montoya, form a backdrop of doubt for Piastri and his camp about receiving equal treatment moving forward.
The speculation doesn't end with internal dynamics. The driver market for 2027 is already a topic of conversation, with rumors linking Piastri to Ferrari. This could materialize in scenarios involving a Lewis Hamilton retirement or even a potential seat swap with Charles Leclerc, offering Piastri a theoretical exit if the McLaren environment becomes untenable.
What's next:
Piastri's 2026 season will be a defining chapter in his career. His performance relative to Norris will be scrutinized more than ever, but the subplot of team harmony and perceived fairness will run parallel. A strong start will be crucial to reassert his status. Meanwhile, the persistent rumors of a future move to Ferrari will apply subtle pressure on McLaren to ensure both their star drivers feel valued and supported equally, as the team aims to defend its constructors' championship.