Villeneuve warns Piastri of 'fickle' F1 world amid McLaren exit rumors
Jacques Villeneuve warns Oscar Piastri that Formula 1 is a 'fickle' business and cautions against a rash exit from McLaren, despite speculation about his future. Villeneuve argues Piastri should focus on rebuilding confidence at the team that had the best car in 2025.
Former World Champion Jacques Villeneuve has cautioned Oscar Piastri about the volatile nature of Formula 1, advising him to be wary of a potential move away from McLaren despite recent championship disappointment. The warning comes amid speculation from fellow ex-driver Juan Pablo Montoya that Piastri and his manager, Mark Webber, could be exploring options with other teams.
Why it matters:
Piastri's future is a focal point after a season where he held a significant points lead over teammate Lando Norris, only to lose the championship in the final rounds. His next career move could define his trajectory in a sport where driver stock can fluctuate dramatically based on short-term results.
The details:
- Villeneuve emphasized that McLaren proved it had the best car in 2025, making a departure a risky proposition for the Australian driver, who remains under contract.
- He described F1 as a "fickle world," where a driver's value is heavily tied to their most recent performance, noting that Piastri's difficult second half of the season may have damaged the elite reputation he built during his Alpine contract saga.
- The core of Villeneuve's advice is for Piastri to rebuild confidence and stability at McLaren rather than seeking a quick exit after a painful title loss.
Looking ahead:
The pressure is now on Piastri to rebound from the 2025 disappointment. His ability to mentally recover and reassert himself within the team will be critical, not only for his 2026 campaign but also for his long-term standing in a driver market that rapidly shifts focus. Staying at McLaren, the current benchmark team, may offer the most straightforward path to redemption and a future championship challenge.