The Australian currently sits seventh in the drivers’ standings, having failed to win a race or secure a podium this season.
The Australian currently sits seventh in the drivers’ standings, having failed to win a race or secure a podium this season. With only three rounds remaining, his focus has shifted towards helping McLaren improve its position in the constructors’ championship.
“I want to be in a championship fight every year if I can be, but also, it’s definitely a bit more relaxed this year. Obviously, we’re not wanting to be in this position, but there’s not quite the same stress,” said Piastri.
“But that stress that you have in a championship fight is the feeling you want, because it means you’re fighting for something that is what your goal is. I am missing that feeling this year for sure.”
The team trails Red Bull by 17 points in fourth place, with Piastri identifying closing that gap as his primary objective for the remainder of the season.
McLaren’s struggles were evident at the Brazilian Grand Prix, where Piastri was eliminated in Q2 before recovering to finish sixth. Team-mate Lando Norris, meanwhile, claimed victory with an upgraded car featuring a redesigned front wing intended to improve predictability.
Piastri previously enjoyed a much stronger 2025 season, spending considerable time at the top of the standings before finishing third behind Norris and Max Verstappen.
However, McLaren has struggled to maintain that level under Formula 1’s new regulations, with Piastri describing the car as difficult to handle from the outset.
“It wasn’t that easy to drive, and it’s still not been easy to drive, even now,” he added. “It took us a while to understand exactly what needed to change, and then trying to actually change it is tough. But we’re making progress with it slowly.
“Just keep learning and ultimately try and beat Red Bull in the constructors’ championship. That’s the big thing. It’s not going to be an easy task for sure, but I think it’s possible. I think the car took a step forward this weekend, so hopefully that keeps going.”
