[Saba Sports News] Following the controversies of the 2025 season, Oscar Piastri has stated that his relationship with team principal Andrea Stella has instead grown stronger. In his view, external doubts and internal difficulties have not weakened their trust; rather, they have fostered a clearer mutual understanding in their collaboration.
Since the start of the new season, Piastri claimed second place at the Japanese Grand Prix, securing his first podium finish of the 2026 campaign. This result was hard-earned, as he failed to get away cleanly in both the season-opening race and the Chinese Grand Prix, leaving him with a difficult start to the year. With his form improving, this finish is seen as a key signal that he is returning to competitive rhythm.
Looking back at the 2025 season, Piastri once held a 34-point lead in the title race, but his form fluctuated in the latter stages, and he ultimately finished 12 points behind his teammate. This turn of events not only decided the championship but also sparked widespread debate over the team’s strategy. Some voices claimed that McLaren had favored its other driver over Piastri during critical phases, with the controversy even spilling into public discourse in Australia. In response to such criticism, Piastri has chosen to downplay external opinions. He stressed that communication between himself and management has remained smooth, and the team upholds the principle of fair competition internally. For him, through good times and bad, what truly matters is mutual trust within the team.
In our opinion, Piastri’s relationship with team principal Stella has not deteriorated due to controversy; instead, it has solidified after several frictions. Through post-event discussions, evaluation mechanisms and public statements, the pair have demonstrated mutual respect and trust.