In a gripping analysis of Oscar Piastri’s F1 journey, former driver and FIA steward Johnny Herbert has delivered a stern message regarding the Australian driver’s mental fortitude after what he described as a “slam dunk” opportunity for a title that slipped through Piastri’s fingers in the 2025 season. Despite finishing the year on a high note with commendable performances in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, Herbert believes the young driver must confront and bolster his mental resilience as he gears up for the 2026 season.
Piastri’s season began with promise, as he surged to the top of the Drivers’ Championship standings, holding a formidable 34-point lead over his McLaren teammate Lando Norris after the Dutch Grand Prix. Meanwhile, the reigning champion Max Verstappen appeared to be out of contention, lagging 104 points behind. However, the Dutch Grand Prix marked a turning point, igniting Verstappen’s extraordinary run that culminated in six wins and an unbroken podium streak to finish the season.
While Norris rebounded impressively following a disappointing breakdown at Zandvoort, Piastri encountered a six-race drought without a podium, derailing his title aspirations. Although he managed to regain his form in the final two races, the championship ultimately eluded him, with Norris clinching the title just two points ahead of Verstappen. Piastri’s final standing was a respectable third place, but it left fans wondering what could have been.
Herbert, a three-time Grand Prix winner, has no doubt about Piastri’s potential, asserting that he possesses all the attributes of a future world champion. Yet, he laments the missed opportunity, emphasizing that Piastri should have secured the title given his earlier dominance. “I don’t feel sympathy for Oscar,” Herbert stated, highlighting the impressive season he had despite the disappointing culmination. “It was a strong end to the season as well. Had that massively strong start and everything seemed to be in his favour.”
Herbert is adamant that Piastri’s mental strength is an area that requires urgent improvement. He pointed out that in critical moments, Piastri seemed to falter, saying, “He missed a slam dunk. He has to get stronger. In the situation he was in, it should have been a done deal.” Herbert drew comparisons to Verstappen and Norris, who both demonstrated the fortitude needed to seize their opportunities, suggesting that Piastri needs to develop that same killer instinct.
Adding to the optimism surrounding Piastri, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella expressed confidence in the Australian’s future, proclaiming that multiple world championships are within his grasp. “Lando is Champion. Effectively, we could have had two champions this year. The gap between the two was so small,” Stella noted, reflecting on the razor-thin margins that defined their season. He emphasized Piastri’s rapid learning curve and his ability to bounce back from setbacks, underscoring that his trajectory in the sport is nothing short of phenomenal.
As the F1 world anticipates the 2026 season, the spotlight remains firmly on Oscar Piastri. With expectations soaring and lessons learned, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how he harnesses his experiences to transform potential into palpable success on the racetrack. The question now is whether he can rise to the challenge and emerge stronger than ever, ready to claim the championship that Herbert insists was rightfully his to win.
