Source: Official Team Post via X
Jenson Button Spots Encouraging Signs from Oscar Piastri After Challenging Year
Jenson Button has noted Oscar Piastri's recent improvements despite a tough 2026 season alongside Lando Norris. Button sees a promising future for Piastri as the Australian driver adapts to McLaren's current car challenges.
Jenson Button, always a keen observer of driving talent, has expressed his admiration for Oscar Piastri's recent progress, even after a rocky start to the 2026 season. Racing alongside the formidable Lando Norris at McLaren, Piastri has faced a unique set of challenges this year.
McLaren, entering the season as the team to beat with consecutive constructors' titles, hoped for another successful year. However, their choice to implement a shorter wheelbase for the MCL40, diverging from the competition, didn't quite pay off. This strategic decision led to less downforce, affecting the car's competitiveness. Piastri, in particular, has found it hard to adjust his driving style to suit this new configuration.
Jenson Button, speaking to Sky Sports, acknowledged that while Norris has managed to extract the maximum from the car, Piastri has struggled. Yet, Button sees a silver lining: "Oscar seems to be turning things around, which is great to see." Piastri's recent performances, notably in Baku and Singapore, have shown glimpses of his potential, much to Button's satisfaction.
This season, Piastri has had to confront the "mental challenge" of transforming his previous strengths into new areas of improvement. His team principal, Andrea Stella, has often commented on how Piastri's handling of the rear of the car has hindered him. This has resulted in a qualifying and race performance gap, with Norris leading both counts.
Despite the hurdles, Piastri has achieved some commendable results, including a second-place finish in Japan and third in Miami. As the season progressed, though, podium finishes became elusive due to various issues, including a significant lock-up in Baku that cost him a strong finish.
In Singapore, Piastri was leading Norris during the sprint race until an unfortunate crash involving the two teammates. This incident, coupled with a slow puncture during the Grand Prix, meant he lost ground despite a promising start.
With McLaren planning changes for the next season, including a shift to a longer wheelbase to enhance performance, Piastri's ongoing adaptation could position him well for future success. As Button observes, the talent is there; it's just a matter of harnessing it in the right environment.