F1 legend's fierce defence of Piastri amid criticism

Formula One legend Damon Hill has come out in defence of Oscar Piastri after two former drivers took aim at the Australian saying his form had gone.

Piastri finished fifth in Barcelona with the success he enjoyed in 2025 nowhere to be seen so far this season.

It’s not just the Aussie, Lando Norris his McLaren teammate has endured a fairly muted and frustrating season, but Hill took issue with Nico Rosberg’s suggestion Piastri had “taken a plunge” while Jacques Villeneuve said “nobody’s talking about him anymore”.

The last 12 month shas been challenging for the young Australian who saw his hold on the drivers’ title dwindle gradually through the back end of the 2025 season before Norris was crowned champion.

Add to that all the whispers about preferential treatment behind the scenes at McLaren and the rumours linking him to other teams, Piastri had plenty going on.

“He didn’t win the title. He had a chance and (Lando) Norris fought back incredibly hard,” Hill said.

“Now it doesn’t look like either of the McLaren drivers have got a title shot this year. So he’s probably lamenting a little bit psychologically.

“A little bit of damage from what happened last year and also facing up to the reality of this year.

“But he’s a fighter. He’s a winner. We’ve seen him do it. He’s a great racing driver.

“And he’ll be back with a bit of hard work and a bit of support from his countrymen and women.

“So get behind your guy.”

F1 heads to Austria this weekend before Silverstone on the weekend of July 6.