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- McLaren driver started a Grand Prix for the first time in 2026
Despite missing out on a first win of the 2026 season at the Japanese Grand Prix, Aussie F1 star Oscar Piastri is ecstatic with his second-place finish at Suzuka.
The McLaren driver crossed the line 13.7 seconds behind Mercedes teenager Kimi Antonelli, with an ill-timed safety car ruining his chances of taking the chequered flag.
It’s still a major step forward for the Melburnian, who crashed out of his home grand prix before it even began, then failed to start the main race in China due to mechanical problems.
After completing a rocket start from third on the grid, Piastri overtook both George Russell and Antonelli to lead the race in Suzuka, until he came into the pits on lap 19.
Piastri was off the race track for about 23 seconds, with McLaren producing a quick 2.4-second pit stop.
Unfortunately for the Aussie, when British driver Oliver Bearman crashed a few laps later, Antonelli was able to pit and lose around 10 seconds less than Piastri did thanks to the safety car being deployed.
Oscar Piastri (pictured) took his place on the F1 podium for the first time in 2026 with second place at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday
The McLaren driver (pictured) started rapidly and overtook both Mercedes on the first lap
Piastri (pictured) couldn’t hold off Mercedes star Kimi Antonelli but still described the grand prix as ‘one of my best weekends in F1’
Despite the unfortunate end, the 24-year-old rocketed up to sixth in the World Drivers’ Championship standings with the podium finish.
‘I think this was probably one of my best weekends in F1. In the race there wasn’t anything more we could have done,’ Piastri said.
‘Unfortunately, it wasn’t quite enough for the win, but at the moment a result like today is as good as a win for us.’
Despite not claiming the victory, Piastri was positive about his performance after a disastrous start to the season.
‘Turns out when we start these things, we’re pretty good!’ Piastri said over his team radio.
The Victorian was the toast of his team, with McLaren team boss Andrea Stella praising Piastri’s attitude over the weekend.
‘Based on what we have seen in testing, in practice, in qualifying … I think we are seeing the best version of Oscar … since he’s been in Formula 1,’ said the Italian.
McLaren will now be hoping to build on the encouraging result in the next five weeks, with no F1 race scheduled until Miami due to the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi grands prix.
