Zak Brown Backs Oscar Piastri for Future Success Amid 2026 Reset

McLaren CEO Zak Brown is confident that Oscar Piastri will remain a top contender in Formula 1 for years to come, despite the Australian narrowly missing out on the 2024 drivers' championship to teammate Lando Norris. Brown praised Piastri's maturity and skill, noting that his "star will continue to rise" as the team shifts its focus to the upcoming regulatory reset in 2026.

Why it matters:

Piastri led the championship for 15 rounds and six months last season, ultimately finishing third behind Norris and Max Verstappen. Brown's public endorsement signals McLaren's strong commitment to the young driver as a long-term cornerstone of the team, even as the entire grid faces the uncertainty of new technical regulations that could completely reshuffle the competitive order.

The details:

• Performance Praise: Brown highlighted Piastri's "unbelievable season," emphasizing that despite only being in his third F1 season, the Australian drives with experience and professionalism that belies his age.
• Internal Dynamics: Although there were moments of friction, such as perceived team favoritism towards Norris at Monza and Singapore, Brown credits Piastri for playing a crucial role in securing McLaren's second consecutive constructors' championship.
• The 2026 Challenge: The CEO acknowledged that the "reigning champion label counts for little" with the arrival of new cars and power units this season. The team has been working on the 2026 project for over a year to ensure a strong start.

What's next:

With Team Principal Andrea Stella leading the technical efforts, McLaren aims to build on the foundations of their recent successes. While the early pecking order is impossible to predict, Brown remains confident that the quiet work done in the background will position McLaren to fight at the front once the new era begins.