McLaren driver Oscar Piastri has declared that his second-place finish at the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix means more to him than over half of his nine Formula 1 victories, following a disastrous start to the season that saw him crash out of the Australian opener.
In a surprising admission, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri revealed that his runner-up result at the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix holds greater emotional value than more than half of his nine career F1 wins. The statement came after a stellar performance at Suzuka, where the Australian bounced back from a nightmare season opener.
Why does Piastri rank P2 above victories?
According to Motorsport, Piastri explained that the Japanese race was a true test of his resilience after a crash during practice laps at Albert Park forced him to withdraw before the Australian Grand Prix even started. “The start was very tough, but coming back like this in Japan made second place feel like a big win,” Piastri said.
A rocky start then a strong comeback
The season-opening Australian GP saw Piastri exit early after a crash in practice, preventing him from racing. However, he returned with a vengeance in round two in Japan, delivering a remarkable performance to secure P2 behind the race winner.
What made this second place special?
- Overcoming psychological pressure after a disappointing start
- Exceptional performance on the demanding Suzuka circuit
- Proving competitiveness despite adverse circumstances
Piastri: 9 wins and a rising career
Piastri, 25, now has nine F1 victories, but he believes some second-place finishes carry greater emotional weight. “Winning is always great, but some races where you achieve strong results after struggling have a bigger impact on your career,” he added.
When will the Gulf host an F1 race soon?
Bahrain hosts the Bahrain Grand Prix annually, while Saudi Arabia holds the Saudi Grand Prix in Jeddah. No races in the UAE or Qatar have been announced for the current season, but these events are expected to continue attracting Gulf fans.
FAQ
How many F1 wins does Oscar Piastri have?
Piastri has 9 Formula 1 wins as of the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix, and he is on track to increase that number as the season progresses.
Why is second place in Japan better than some wins?
Because it came after a very difficult start to the season, where he crashed out of the Australian opener, making the strong comeback in Japan a significant emotional achievement.
Will Piastri race in the Middle East this season?
Yes, he is expected to participate in the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix as part of the season calendar, which are key events for Gulf fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many F1 wins does Oscar Piastri have?
Piastri has 9 Formula 1 wins as of the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix, and he is on track to increase that number as the season progresses.
Why is second place in Japan better than some wins?
Because it came after a very difficult start to the season, where he crashed out of the Australian opener, making the strong comeback in Japan a significant emotional achievement.
Will Piastri race in the Middle East this season?
Yes, he is expected to participate in the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix as part of the season calendar, which are key events for Gulf fans.
Sources
- Motorsport.com — Why Oscar Piastri ranks 2026 Japanese GP second place above 50% of his F1 wins
