Piastri reacts to bittersweet podium in Japan

Oscar Piastri delivered a strong performance at the Japanese Grand Prix, securing a P2 finish after a challenging start to his 2026 season. After missing the first two races, the McLaren driver capitalized on a clean weekend at Suzuka, taking the lead on the opening lap and holding off George Russell for much of the race. Despite his impressive drive, a well-timed Safety Car for Oliver Bearman’s incident allowed Kimi Antonelli to jump ahead during the pit cycle. While Piastri was unable to challenge for the win after the restart, he expressed satisfaction with his pace and the team's execution, viewing the podium as a positive turning point for his campaign.