Damon Hill Urges Oscar Piastri to Resist McLaren Team Orders in 2026

Former Formula 1 champion Damon Hill has advised Oscar Piastri to adopt a more assertive and self-focused approach as he prepares for the 2026 season with McLaren. With the upcoming testing weeks away, Piastri’s position in the team remains uncertain, especially after teammate Lando Norris clinched the F1 title last year.

Title Race Highlights

• Lando Norris won the F1 title despite achieving fewer race victories than Max Verstappen.
• Max Verstappen secured eight wins, while both McLaren drivers recorded seven wins each.
• Piastri led the championship standings from April to October.

McLaren has recently celebrated back-to-back constructors’ championships, marking their first title double since 1998. This achievement has heightened the competitive atmosphere within the team. Hill emphasized that Piastri need not sacrifice his own career for team loyalty, particularly after a controversial incident during the 2025 season.

Lessons from 2025

The 2025 season left lingering questions regarding team dynamics. Piastri experienced misfortunes that stemmed from trying to be accommodating towards Norris and team directives. Hill recounted a specific incident at the Monza Grand Prix, where Piastri allowed Norris to reclaim a position after an errant pit stop, which could have jeopardized his championship standing.

“If I were in his position, I’d prioritize my career,” Hill stated on the Drive to Wynn podcast. “When team orders come into play, he must ask himself why he should sacrifice points for his teammate.”

Future Considerations

Looking ahead to 2027, discussions have surfaced regarding Piastri’s potential move to Ferrari or Mercedes. His manager, Mark Webber, has reportedly engaged in talks with these rival teams, raising speculation about Piastri’s long-term plans in F1.

Piastri’s Competitive Edge

Hill believes that the 2026 season will be crucial for Piastri’s career trajectory. He noted that Piastri possesses a psychological advantage over Norris. “Oscar won’t shy away from competing against Verstappen,” commented Hill, highlighting Piastri’s decisiveness in overtaking maneuvers.

With the competition heating up, Hill expressed that while Norris may play it safe against Verstappen, Piastri’s aggressive driving style could earn him respect among his peers on the circuit.