#81 · McLaren
Oscar Piastri
McLaren's second weapon, and a quiet bet that the heir to the title is already in the building.
Won every junior championship he entered: Formula Renault, F3, F2, back-to-back-to-back. Quickly became McLaren's second weapon. The most poker-faced driver on the grid.
Why he matters
Piastri arrived at McLaren in 2023 paired with Norris, two years his senior, and within a season was equal-fast on race days and sometimes faster in qualifying. He was second in the 2025 championship, losing the title to Norris by 12 points in Abu Dhabi after a strategy mix-up in the final stint.
How he drives
Smooth, surgical, almost emotionless on team radio. He brakes a fraction earlier than Norris and uses less curb on corner entry, which sometimes costs him in qualifying but pays back in tyre life and consistency on Sundays.
Watch for
- His race starts and first laps: among the best on the grid.
- His radio when angry. Rare, but worth listening for; he sounds genuinely surprised every time.
- His qualifying lap when conditions are at the limit (rain, big track-temperature swings). He often beats Norris in those sessions.
Career receipts
Through the 2026 season
7
Race wins
24
Podiums
5
Pole positions
0
Championships
Last race
Decoder breakdown of the most recent round