Zak Brown backs Oscar Piastri for F1 championship in 2026 after bitter loss to Lando Norris

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has shared words of encouragement for Oscar Piastri after teammate Lando Norris beat him to the 2025 F1 drivers' championship. Brown praised the Australian driver for his resilience throughout the season and made it clear that it is only a matter of time before he wins an F1 championship, and it could be as early as next year.

Piastri was the top dog in the championship fight in the first half of the season. He led the drivers' championship between Rounds 5 and 20 of the season. However, cracks in his seemingly unbeatable racecraft showed during the American leg of the season, where he struggled to perform on low-grip circuits, while Norris thrived.

Moreover, McLaren's controversial 'Papaya Rules' were of no help and only added to the trouble, including fan backlash for the team. Oscar Piastri eventually lost the championship that seemed his for the taking earlier in the season.

In an appearance on The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X on YouTube, Zak Brown spoke about his two drivers and how he's awaiting a reinvigorated Piastri to fight for the championship next year. He said [6:12 onwards]:

"I'm excited already for next year because I think Oscar's gonna go back to Australia... he's kind of a very tough, very focused individual. He has very few areas he needs to improve upon. You should watch out for Oscar Piastri next year."

Brown also compared the journey of his two drivers and highlighted how Oscar Piastri will still have the opportunity to fight for more championships, considering that Lando Norris only won his first title in his seventh season with McLaren.

"He's (Oscar) only 24. Lando, this was his seventh season. So, Oscar is going to be a world champion, and it could be next year," the McLaren Racing CEO added.

Piastri secured a P2 finish at the Abu Dhabi GP to end his season on a bittersweet note, while Norris' P3 finish was enough to win him the 2025 F1 drivers' title. Race winner Max Verstappen lost the championship by only two points.

Oscar Piastri reflects on mental growth after rollercoaster 2025 F1 season

Oscar Piastri on the podium at the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Source: Getty

Jubilation, heartbreak, nervousness, and more - Oscar Piastri experienced it all in the 2025 F1 season with a smile on his face. What seemed like a straightforward journey to outperforming Lando Norris and Max Verstappen earlier in the season went the opposite way after the summer break.

Piastri entered the season finale in Abu Dhabi with a 16-point deficit to his teammate and surprisingly found himself four points behind Verstappen, who once trailed him by 104 points. He eventually finished third in the standings.

In the post-race FIA press conference, Oscar Piastri spoke about his journey this season, saying:

"I mean, I think, obviously, I would have wished for a slightly different ending, but I think this year I’ve learned a hell of a lot about myself as a race car driver, myself as a person. I think if you had presented this season at the start of the year with the pole positions and the wins and the podiums, I definitely would have been pretty happy with that."

"And I think even in the tough moments, I’ve learned a lot about myself and how I can be stronger in the future. So, I think, ultimately, there’s a little bit of disappointment, obviously, but I think I can be very proud of the season I’ve had and plenty of lessons to take to the future," the 24-year-old added.

Piastri was respectful of his teammate's championship triumph and called him a "deserving winner." The 2026 season kicks off with the 24-year-old's home race, the Australian GP from March 6 to 8.