Christian Horner Predicts Oscar Piastri Vengeance Against Lando Norris

Christian Horner believes Oscar Piastri will return stronger in 2026 after a difficult end to last season that ultimately cost him a realistic shot at the Formula 1 drivers’ title.



For much of the campaign, Piastri appeared firmly in control of the championship narrative and was widely regarded as the favourite heading into the summer break.



However, a difficult run of races in the final third of the year allowed his team-mate Lando Norris to close the gap, overturn a 34-point deficit, and secure the championship by 13 points.



Learning From A Painful Championship Collapse



Reflecting on the season, Horner said: “Oscar will have learned a huge amount from last year. I thought he was odds-on favourite going into the summer break, and unfortunately, it sort of fell apart for him at the end of the season.”



He added: “But he’ll learn from that, and that will have hurt him, and ultimately motivated him.”



Horner pointed out that Piastri remains early in his Formula 1 career and is still gaining experience that many front-running drivers have accumulated over several seasons at the top level.



“You forget the guy’s only done a couple of seasons in Formula 1. He’s so relatively inexperienced that I think he’s just going to get better and better and he’s going to be fully motivated for the season ahead.”



Horner Prepares For Australian Speaking Tour



The former Red Bull team principal shared his thoughts while appearing on Australia’s Today programme ahead of a speaking tour that will take him across several cities in the country.



“I’m looking forward to coming. I’m coming to Melbourne on the 24th of Feb and I’ve been invited to do this speaking tour, and it’s a great way just to reflect on my career.”



He explained that the tour would provide an opportunity to discuss the behind-the-scenes challenges of Formula 1, including stories involving drivers, staff, and pivotal moments that shaped his tenure.



“The highs, the lows, the sport, the drivers we’ve had, the Aussies that I’ve had drive for me, and really give an insight into some of the behind-the-scenes stuff that the people don’t know.”



“Some of the challenges that there’s been over the years and hopefully it’ll be interesting, and people will enjoy a bit of a behind-the-scenes insight into the challenges of Formula 1.”
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