No more Mr. Nice Guy: Hill urges Piastri to get tough in 2026

©McLaren

40

Oscar Piastri spent much of last year playing the "good soldier" for McLaren’s papaya rules. But according to Damon Hill, it’s time for the Australian driver to focus on his own interests.

The 1996 F1 world champion has taken a pointed look at McLaren’s fair play philosophy and delivered a blunt verdict: Piastri paid the price for being too accommodating, and he cannot afford to repeat that mistake if he wants to lift the sport’s biggest prize.

While McLaren insisted on a policy of equal opportunity, the reality on the track often looked like Piastri was the one cushioning Lando Norris’s path to the title.

The most glaring example came at Monza, where a strategic reshuffle saw Piastri forced to hand a position back to his teammate after Norris suffered a botched pit stop.

Hill believes the selflessness of that moment was likely hard to stomach for Piastri.

“He had some misfortune, you have to say, and he’s lost out because of some decisions with McLaren trying to be fair,” the Briton said, speaking on the Drive To Wynn podcast.

Reflecting on the Monza order, Hill was incredulous.

“For example, Lando had a bad pit stop at Monza, and he was asked to give the place back. Wow, that’s quite a big thing to do, isn’t it? To give points away to a guy you could be fighting for the world championship?”

“He will probably look at that and go, ‘Well, maybe I won’t do that again’.”

Norris ultimately capitalized on the situation, holding off Max Verstappen’s late charge to seal the championship in Abu Dhabi – while Piastri was left with more questions than answers.

Hill’s Message for 2026: Be ruthless

Hill’s advice for Piastri’s next title push is simple and unapologetic. Talent isn’t the issue. Timing isn’t either. The problem, in Hill’s eyes, is mindset – and the willingness to put the team ahead of the trophy.

As Formula 1 edges toward a crucial regulation reset in 2026, Hill believes Piastri must walk back into McLaren with a sharper edge and clearer boundaries.

“Next year, if I were him, I’d be coming back saying, ‘Listen, I love the team, and it’s been great, but I have to think of myself’,” Hill said.

“‘It’s my career. If the situation arises and you ask me to return points to my team-mate, you have to ask yourself, why would I do that?’

“‘I can’t afford to do that. I did it last year. That could have cost me the world championship’.”

In a sport that rewards killers, Hill’s verdict is unmistakable: fairness may keep harmony in the garage, but titles are won by drivers who refuse to give anything away – especially when the crown is within reach.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.