Piastri: Title Loss Won't Diminish Pride in 'Successful' 2025 Season

Oscar Piastri finished third in the 2025 F1 drivers' championship after surrendering the lead in Mexico City, but the Australian insists his seven-win season represents significant progress. "If you'd presented this season at the start with the pole positions, wins, and podiums, I definitely would have been pretty happy," the McLaren driver said, framing his campaign as a breakthrough despite the narrow title miss.

Why it matters:

Piastri's mindset shift—from viewing championships as the sole metric to valuing personal growth—signals maturity crucial for future title challenges. His ability to extract confidence from near-misses could prove decisive in 2026, especially as McLaren aims to close the gap to Red Bull. This perspective also reshapes expectations for young drivers in an era where car performance often outweighs individual brilliance.

The details:

• Piastri seized the championship lead after winning the Saudi Arabian GP and held it for 12 races until Mexico City, where strategic errors and Max Verstappen's surge shifted momentum.
• His seven victories—including dominant wins in Monaco and Silverstone—marked a quantum leap from his first two seasons (0 wins in 2023-24), though he ultimately fell 13 points short.
• The Australian highlighted intangible gains: "I've learned a hell of a lot about myself as a race car driver and as a person. Even in tough moments, I've discovered how to be stronger."
• When comparing seasons, Piastri stressed this year was "head and shoulders above" his debut campaigns, noting his consistency improved from 12th (2023) to 3rd in standings despite identical machinery.

What's next:

Piastri's focus on long-term development suggests McLaren will prioritize 2026 car stability over radical changes, leveraging lessons from this near-miss. With Verstappen's dominance showing cracks and Ferrari's 2026 power unit rumors swirling, the Australian's calm under pressure could position him as the leading challenger if McLaren's upgrades deliver.

• Team Principal Andrea Stella confirmed the 2026 chassis will build on this year's strengths rather than overhaul the concept, banking on Piastri's refined racecraft to maximize points.
• "It's only my third attempt," Piastri noted—a reminder that at 24, he has time to refine his approach. His ability to channel 2025's "optimism and strength" into sustained performance may determine whether near-misses become championships.