The former world champion says the Australian’s prospects depend on finding the right team environment and praises his serious approach to racing.
1996 Formula One world champion Damon Hill believes Oscar Piastri can still contend for a title if he is in the right environment. In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, Hill said that could be McLaren and that the Australian was working his way out of a difficult spell.
The 2026 season has been challenging for Piastri: he has gone more than a year without a race win and is seventh in the drivers’ standings. Hill cautioned against judging a driver from one race to the next, saying form should be assessed across a season. He noted that Piastri narrowly lost last year’s championship to teammate Lando Norris after a strong first half.
Hill compared Piastri with Fernando Alonso for his awareness of the environment around him and with Max Verstappen for his reserved public manner. Hill said Piastri wants to focus on driving and appears reluctant to take part in the public-facing activities that often come with being a Formula One driver.
Hill stressed that he did not view this reserve as a flaw. He respects Piastri’s seriousness and believes experience can help him navigate both the sporting and political sides of Formula One. The interview did not say Piastri would change teams; Hill was discussing the conditions that could support future success.