McLaren driver Oscar Piastri is aware that reaching the pinnacle of Formula 1 will require further development, especially in key areas like simulator training. Despite a strong start last season, where he held a 34-point lead following his Dutch Grand Prix victory, Piastri’s championship bid faltered due to mistakes, resulting in his teammate Lando Norris claiming the title.
Piastri’s need for improvement is crucial as he aims for future success in Formula 1, with experts highlighting specific aspects he should focus on to challenge for the Drivers’ Championship in 2026.
Coaching Insights Highlight Areas Where Piastri Can Improve
Former driver and coach Martin Brundle has expressed his confidence that Oscar Piastri has the potential to bounce back stronger after missing out on the 2025 championship. However, driving coach Martin Villari points to an “obvious” area needing attention in Piastri’s preparation, which aligns with strengths shown by current champion Max Verstappen.
Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast, Villari shared his observations about Piastri’s first three years in F1, emphasizing that the young driver is still developing and has significant room to grow.
“He’s still developing in a way, like it was only his third season. I still feel like he’s got a lot to come,”
Villari explained.
Villari criticized Piastri’s simulator habits, recalling Piastri’s own admission that he “very rarely” uses the simulator for serious training, instead treating it more as a source of enjoyment. This approach, Villari argued, represents a major weakness in Piastri’s preparation.
“I think that’s an obvious gap and hole in Oscar’s preparation. I don’t think that’s a strength,”
Villari noted, adding that Piastri has also struggled with braking technique, particularly in managing corner sequences where he tends to brake later than his teammate Norris, resulting in lost time.
He elaborated on this by pointing to turns in Mexico City and Brazil where Piastri’s braking approach cost him ground to Norris. Villari suggested that Piastri needs to reconsider his racing line and braking points to improve lap times.
This is just a reframing of how he views the corners and the lap comes together.
Max Verstappen’s Simulator Work Sets a Benchmark for Others
Max Verstappen’s dedication to simulator work is well known in Formula 1 circles and has been credited with enhancing his driving skills and success with Red Bull. The Dutch driver’s extensive hours spent on the simulator, even beyond his official F1 commitments, have helped him maintain sharpness and experiment with setups.
Verstappen’s commitment is not just a hobby but a crucial element of his training regimen. In a January 2023 interview with Speedweek, Verstappen explained his hands-on approach:
“The days are very long, but I am convinced that this work is worth it.”
He also emphasized that he prefers handling simulator work himself, as each driver’s style is unique and requires personal attention.
That helps me keep sharp. You can’t do much more than that at the moment if you have to stay at home. And I get a lot of enjoyment out of sim racing anyway.
?Max Verstappen, Red Bull Driver
Verstappen’s example presents a clear path for Piastri, suggesting that increasing simulator engagement could play a decisive role in his development and his quest to become a world champion.
Simulator Improvement Critical for Piastri’s Future Success
While Oscar Piastri shows immense natural talent, his relatively casual approach to simulator training is a hurdle he will need to overcome to reach the next level. With the championship battle becoming ever more competitive, adopting a comprehensive and disciplined simulator regimen similar to Verstappen’s could provide Piastri with the data and experience necessary to fine-tune his driving and race strategies.
As McLaren continues to develop its car and support its drivers, Piastri’s increased dedication to simulation work could enhance his preparation for race weekends and ultimately improve his performance on track. This shift could be vital in closing the gap to not only his teammate Lando Norris but also established front-runners in Formula 1.
Given the intense pressure and rapid pace of Formula 1, how Piastri adapts his approach this season may determine whether he can convert his promise into championships in the coming years.
