Martin Brundle expects Oscar Piastri to “come back with a vengeance” after narrowly missing out on a maiden Formula One title last year.

With nine of 24 rounds remaining, Piastri leads his McLaren team-mate Lando Norris by 34 points and has been on a very consistent run, with 14 podium finishes in 15 races, the only exception being fourth in Canada.

However, a run of six consecutive races without a podium allowed Norris to take control of the title race and ultimately finish third in the drivers’ championship, behind his teammate and Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen.

“I think he will come back with a vengeance” Sky Sports F1 Blundell said.

“Last year was half painful and half glorious for him. He learned a lot.

“I think it was openly acknowledged that he wasn’t getting the most out of the car and tires on really low-grip tracks, so he knew he had to address that.

“But some of the wins he’s had have been so dominant and so impressive. I think he’s going to benefit a lot from that.”

McLaren dominated the Constructors’ Championship last year to claim the constructors’ title for a second consecutive year, but a rules reset for 2026 threatens to reshuffle the pecking order.

While most expect McLaren to remain in the lead, bookmakers favor Mercedes to take the lead heading into the new season.

Following last week’s first test event in Barcelona, ​​where the new car was “tuned”, the upcoming official tests in Bahrain on February 11-13 and 18-20 should reveal more.

The real racing will begin with Piastri’s home race, the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 6 to 8.

Brundle added: “I’m sure it will be painful for him in the end and I think it will become a driver.

“We’ve watched him. He’s a very smart lad, he’s obviously competitive, he’s a worker and I think he’s going to take a big step forward when he comes back.”

When does the F1 Bahrain pre-season test take place?

The introduction of the new regulations means there will be a full schedule of three separate testing events before the start of the 2026 season.

With the closed race in Barcelona over, F1 will next head to Bahrain for two “official” pre-season tests, where the media will be present and on-track timing will be provided.

The two three-day Tests in Bahrain are held from February 11 to 13 and 18 to 20 respectively.

When was the first F1 race?

Teams then have two weeks to prepare for the first round of the season, the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne from March 6-8.

The first practice session of the season will be held on Friday 6 March, qualifying will be held on Saturday 7 March and the opening race will be held on Sunday 8 March.

Stream every race of the 2026 F1 season live on Sky Sports, starting with the Australian Grand Prix on March 6-8. Watch Sky Sports now – no contract, cancel anytime