"Strongest version of Oscar" — McLaren’s Andrea Stella hails Piastri’s resilience after podium finish in Japan

McLaren boss Andrea Stella praises Oscar Piastri's mental strength and leadership following a P2 finish at the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 31, 2026, 1:24 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PlanetF1.

A Defiant Comeback After Early Season Woes

Oscar Piastri’s 2026 campaign finally ignited in Japan after a string of "false starts" that saw him fail to take the grid in the opening two rounds. The Melbourne native arrived at Suzuka "on the back foot," according to team reports, but quickly dispelled any concerns regarding rustiness. During the race, Piastri demonstrated elite clinical precision, at one point overtaking Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli to lead the Grand Prix. While an unfortunately timed safety car ultimately granted Antonelli a "free" pit stop and the eventual win, Piastri’s ability to hold off a charging George Russell and Charles Leclerc secured him P2.

Stella’s Assessment: Growth Beyond the Data

Speaking to the media post-race, Andrea Stella emphasized that Piastri’s value to McLaren extends beyond his lap times. Stella noted that while the missed races could have "bogged down" a lesser driver, Piastri’s "steadiness" acted as a psychological anchor for the Woking-based squad.

"Based on his overall attitude and mental strength, I think we are seeing the best version of Oscar, the strongest Oscar since he’s been in Formula 1," Stella remarked.

The Stats: Piastri’s Rising Milestone