Oscar Piastri has firmly denied suggestions that McLaren deliberately hindered his 2025 Formula 1 championship bid, responding to claims made last year by Australian Senator Matt Canavan. The controversy stemmed from concerns raised during a parliamentary discussion about the team’s strategy regarding its two lead drivers, Piastri and Lando Norris, during the fiercely competitive season.
Piastri, 24, was a strong contender for the title in 2025, securing five wins in the first nine races. However, a late-season surge from reigning champion Max Verstappen and consistent performances from teammate Norris ultimately saw Piastri finish third overall. The team’s decision to allow both drivers to compete freely, rather than designating a clear number-one driver, drew scrutiny, with some arguing it potentially compromised Piastri’s championship chances.
Speaking to 7NEWS, Piastri addressed the allegations directly, stating, “Yeah, I saw, and I think, for me, the takeaway from that was just how closely everyone was supporting it more than anything else.” He emphasized that there were “no bad intentions” from the team and that lessons have been learned as McLaren prepares for the 2026 season.
“There were certainly no bad intentions last year, and I think as a team we know that there’s things that we could have done a better job of, things we could have done differently, and I know that as well. But, you know, at no point were there any bad intentions or certainly no sabotage like I’ve seen around a few times,” Piastri explained. “That’s part of racing, some things go as you want, some things don’t. We’ve worked very hard on trying to tidy up some of the things we didn’t receive right last year. I’m confident that we can do a better job in 2026 on the whole.”
The debate initially surfaced after Senator Canavan questioned McLaren’s approach during the 2025 season, specifically referencing a strategy in Qatar that appeared to hinder Piastri’s title aspirations. Motorsport Week reported on the Senator’s concerns in December 2025.
McLaren’s Dual-Driver Strategy Under Scrutiny
Throughout the 2025 season, McLaren adopted a policy of allowing both Piastri and Norris to compete for race wins without strict team orders. Even as this approach fostered exciting on-track battles, it also sparked debate about whether it ultimately hindered the team’s chances of securing the drivers’ championship. The team opted to let the drivers race, with the understanding they avoid collisions. Some analysts suggested a more decisive backing of a single driver could have yielded a different outcome.
Piastri’s comments suggest a willingness to move forward and focus on improvements for the upcoming season. He acknowledged areas where the team could have performed better, signaling a commitment to addressing those issues. F1 Oversteer noted Piastri’s emphasis on the level of support he received, downplaying the sabotage claims.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
The 2026 Formula 1 season is set to begin with the Australian Grand Prix, scheduled to take place from March 6-8. This will be a significant event for Piastri, racing on his home soil as he aims to build on the lessons learned from the 2025 campaign. The opening race at Albert Park will provide an early indication of whether McLaren has successfully addressed the concerns raised about its strategy and driver management.
Piastri’s denial of sabotage claims and his focus on team improvement suggest a positive outlook for the 2026 season. The team will be looking to translate those lessons into a more consistent and competitive performance, aiming to challenge for both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships.
What are your thoughts on McLaren’s strategy and Piastri’s chances in 2026? Share your opinions in the comments below.
