Damon Hill Praises Oscar Piastri's Silence Amid McLaren Struggles

Damon Hill has weighed in on the current plight of Oscar Piastri, suggesting that the young Australian driver is shrewd to keep his thoughts to himself as he navigates a challenging season with McLaren. Piastri, who once led the drivers' championship in 2025, has found himself in a less enviable position this year, sitting seventh in the standings. The 2026 season has seen him secure just two podiums in the first 18 out of 23 races, a stark contrast to his previous form.

The turning point for Piastri came during last year's Mexican Grand Prix, where his teammate Lando Norris overtook him in the standings and went on to claim the championship. This year, Piastri returns to Mexico with a different outlook, and Hill believes that keeping a low profile could work in his favor. "If the other guy wins and you're still in the same team the following year, that’s hard," Hill told Fox Sports Australia, emphasizing the mental toll of playing second fiddle to a world champion.

Piastri’s struggles have been partly attributed to the new regulations that don’t favor his driving style, a sentiment echoed by McLaren team principal Andrea Stella. The MCL40 has proven to be a tough car to handle, even for Norris, and Piastri has had to adapt his approach significantly. Despite these challenges, Hill feels that Piastri's reluctance to air grievances publicly is a strategic move. "I think it’s wise to keep your powder dry," Hill advised, suggesting that discretion might serve Piastri better than public critique.

Piastri's season has not been without its bright spots. His performance in Japan and Miami showed glimpses of promise, yet mechanical issues and an ill-suited car have often impeded his progress. Former F1 champion Jenson Button took note of Piastri's resurgence during races in Baku, Malaysia, and Singapore, although setbacks in the U.S. reminded everyone of the ongoing challenges.

Reflecting on Piastri's decision to join McLaren over Alpine, Hill points out that the young driver might have struggled even more had he taken the other path. Piastri's choice to stay the course and focus on improving his performance, rather than getting caught up in external narratives, could ultimately be the key to his long-term success.