Former Formula 1 world champion Mika Hakkinen has commended Oscar Piastri’s exceptional talent but cautioned McLaren about the challenges of having two top drivers competing within the same team. Since his 2023 debut, Australian driver Piastri has demonstrated remarkable skill and consistency, rising rapidly to become a significant contender alongside teammate Lando Norris.
Throughout last season, McLaren’s driver lineup led to thrilling internal competition, with Norris ultimately edging Piastri for the drivers’ championship after the latter encountered some setbacks. Despite this, Hakkinen remains confident in Piastri’s potential to reach the pinnacle of the sport in the coming years.
Hakkinen Reflects on Piastri’s Driving Prowess and Last Season’s Challenges
In a recent interview with SpeedCafe, Mika Hakkinen expressed deep admiration for Oscar Piastri’s driving style and temperament, describing the young racer as a grounded individual with extraordinary car control. However, Hakkinen also questioned the errors that derailed Piastri’s title bid towards the end of the 2025 season, urging both the driver and McLaren to learn from these experiences.
First of all, Oscar is a great personality. A great guy. Really down to earth. Great talent. Great car control. He can really control the car really well.
— Mika Hakkinen, Former McLaren Driver
I’m all the time a little bit struggling here to put my words in a correct way – because Oscar, his driving was extremely beautiful. No question about it. Very consistent indeed.
— Mika Hakkinen, Former McLaren Driver
Something happened last year, and Oscar can only answer this what happened. Why these mistakes started coming, and he was not able to maximise his full performance?
— Mika Hakkinen, Former McLaren Driver
You cannot have two world champions in the team. There can be only one world champion. Lando was winning a world championship. And Oscar, constantly, my mind said what a great driver. What a fantastic driver.
— Mika Hakkinen, Former McLaren Driver
Challenges Ahead as Piastri Adapts to Formula 1’s Evolving Landscape
Looking forward to the 2026 season, the adaptation to new technical regulations will be crucial for all drivers, including Oscar Piastri. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see how quickly he can adjust and convert his evident talent into championship-winning performances. While Lando Norris garnered significant support from some quarters, predictions indicate a strong belief in Piastri’s capability to contend for the title as he gains experience.
Confidence in Piastri’s Growth from Hakkinen and McLaren Leadership
Despite last season’s difficulties, Mika Hakkinen remains optimistic about Oscar Piastri’s trajectory, emphasizing his youth and the natural progression expected early in a Formula 1 career. Hakkinen envisions Piastri strengthening his skills and becoming a genuine championship contender in the near future.
Oscar is still a young man and starting his career in Formula 1. So he will develop. He will get stronger. And that’s what I see what’s going to happen with him. He’s going to do a great job in the future.
— Mika Hakkinen, Former McLaren Driver
Supporting this view, McLaren CEO Zak Brown has highlighted Piastri’s improvements in communication and maturity since joining the team, underscoring the significant strides the driver has made since his debut. With two seasons under his belt, Piastri has ample scope to refine his racing craft and deliver more consistent results.
If he can maintain steady progress and capitalize on opportunities, the 2026 campaign may see Oscar Piastri mount a serious challenge for the drivers’ championship, reaffirming McLaren’s status as a formidable force in the sport.
