Piastri mounted a sustained title challenge in a fiercely competitive 24-race campaign and was on course to become Australia’s first world champion since Alan Jones in 1980.
He led the championship for 15 rounds, holding top spot for roughly six months after moving into the lead at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in April. His grip on the standings finally ended at the Mexican Grand Prix in October.
The 23-year-old ultimately finished the season 13 points adrift of McLaren team-mate Lando Norris, who claimed his maiden drivers’ title.
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen also ended the year ahead of Piastri by 11 points, despite suffering a dramatic drop in form during the latter stages of the season.
Piastri’s campaign was marked by moments of frustration, particularly as he felt McLaren favoured Norris at key points. Those tensions surfaced publicly during the Italian and Singapore Grands Prix, where the Australian voiced his displeasure over team radio.
Despite Norris lifting the championship, Brown believes Piastri deserves “immense credit” for his performances and resilience throughout the year.
“He drove an unbelievable season,” said Brown, writing in an open letter this week to McLaren fans.
“It’s easy to forget that he has contested only three Formula 1 seasons to date. He drives with experience and skill that belies his years and conducts himself with the utmost professionalism and respect.
“We knew we had a star on our hands from the moment he arrived, and it has been a pleasure to watch him blossom into a title challenger in such short order.
“I have no doubt his star will continue to rise in the years to come, and I want to thank him for playing such a crucial role in delivering our second consecutive constructors’ championship under the Singapore floodlights, with six rounds to go.”
