Piastri Dismisses Sabotage Claims as F1 Championship Hopes Reset
Australian Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri has categorically dismissed suggestions of internal sabotage at McLaren, speaking exclusively to media ahead of the 2026 season opener in Melbourne next month.
The 25-year-old Victorian, currently testing in Bahrain, addressed persistent speculation surrounding his dramatic championship collapse in 2025, when he surrendered a commanding early-season lead to finish third behind teammate Lando Norris.
Parliamentary Support and Public Scrutiny
Piastri's championship bid captured national attention to an unprecedented degree, with Nationals Senator Matt Canavan raising the matter in federal parliament amid claims of unequal treatment within the McLaren team.
"At no point were there any bad intentions or certainly no sabotage like I've seen around a few times," Piastri stated, reflecting on the intense scrutiny that followed his five wins in the opening nine races of 2025.
The driver acknowledged the extraordinary level of public investment in his championship campaign. "The takeaway from that was just how closely everyone was supporting it more than anything else," he said.
Strategic Reset for 2026
Ahead of the new season, Piastri has implemented significant changes to his support structure. Former F1 driver Mark Webber will reduce his trackside presence, while Melbourne-based performance psychologist Emma Murray assumes a more prominent role in the driver's preparation.
The recalibration follows what Piastri describes as a crucial Christmas break in Australia, where he prioritised personal relationships over professional obligations.
"Just became a normal human and kind of became Oscar the person and Oscar the boyfriend, the son, the brother, rather than Oscar the F1 driver," he explained.
Melbourne Grand Prix Anticipation
The Australian Grand Prix organisers have recognised Piastri's growing profile with a dedicated grandstand at Albert Park Circuit, reflecting the heightened expectations surrounding Australia's most promising F1 talent since Alan Jones claimed the 1980 championship.
Piastri, reportedly Australia's highest-paid athlete, expressed confidence about returning to Melbourne as the season opener approaches. "The support was up another level. So I'm looking forward to going back home and racing," he noted.
The 2026 Formula 1 season begins with the Australian Grand Prix on March 16, where Piastri will seek to convert early-career promise into sustained championship contention.