Australian driver Oscar Piastri is optimistic about McLaren's chances of challenging Mercedes in the Formula 1 season. After securing his first podium of the season at the Japanese Grand Prix, Piastri is confident that his team can catch Mercedes. The race at the Suzuka International Circuit marked the start of his 2026 season, following two consecutive retirements in the first rounds. Piastri led the race in the early laps, building a small but solid lead over the chasing pack.

However, the safety car's entry, after Oliver Bearman's accident, altered the strategy. Both Piastri and Mercedes' George Russell had already pitted, while Andrea Kimi Antonelli had not, allowing him to gain a cheap stop and regain the lead. Piastri eventually crossed the finish line in second place, but reflected on the possibility of having won the race with his MCL40.

Piastri told the media, including Motorsport Week, that he would have liked to see how the race unfolded without the safety car. He assessed whether Kimi Antonelli was faster than George Russell or had a similar pace, suggesting that, if it were similar, the afternoon would have been stressful. He admitted that, if given clean air, Antonelli was much faster, and although he wasn't sure if he would have won the race, he would have loved to find out. Piastri also highlighted that Mercedes' W17 has been the benchmark, but the Japanese GP ended a streak for Mercedes, with Russell and Antonelli consecutively achieving a 1-2 finish in Australia and China, until Piastri interrupted that streak. The McLaren driver is confident that his team can outperform its rivals in development during the 2026 season and catch up to the German marque on the track.

When asked if he felt Mercedes was beatable this year, Piastri replied affirmatively. He explained that, based on the previous season, even with the best car, a high level of performance is needed. He emphasized that McLaren did a good job, but it's interesting to see what it's like when another team has the fastest car. He mentioned that the fact that he was able to keep George Russell behind for so long was encouraging, although he acknowledged that there is still work to be done, since, despite doing everything right, they were beaten by 15 seconds. The Woking-based team has five weeks to analyze and plan before the Miami Grand Prix, seeking to challenge Mercedes' dominance this season.