Oscar Piastri outlines plan to reset after agonising F1 title defeat

Oscar Piastri has outlined his desire to switch off from F1 over the winter break as he aims to bounce back from a title defeat.

Piastri led the F1 drivers' standings for much of the year in 2025 and appeared to be on course for a maiden title when he held a 34-point lead shortly after the summer break.

However, a difficult run of form in the final quarter of the year saw team-mate Lando Norris close the margin and take the reins at the head of the championship.

Despite some late pressure from Max Verstappen, Norris triumphed in the fight while Piastri slipped to third place.

Piastri has outlined that he will return to his home country in Australia for some time off ahead of the new season.

“It’s nice having another summer break,” Piastri told media including RacingNews365. 

“I’m going back to Australia for a little bit, see my family and friends, give my annual hellos and goodbyes. 

“I’m looking forward to some time away from racing, to be honest. It’s been a long, demanding season. 

“As enjoyable as driving the fastest cars in the world is, a break now and again is always a nice thing. 

“So, I’m just looking forward to not thinking about race cars and spending time with people around me.”

With the 2026 F1 season being held under fresh technical regulations, an expanded pre-season test schedule has been set up by the sport.

It makes the winter break shorter than normal, leaving Piastri to place high importance on making the most of the downtime.

“Then obviously, the new season is not far away,” he added.

“It’s going to be important to enjoy that time off and then come back refreshed with the new challenges for next year.”