Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has praised McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, asserting the Australian would have secured victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Montoya stated Piastri ‘would have won the race anyway’, despite his eventual retirement from the event. The comments follow the Hungarian Grand Prix held on July 26, 2026.
Piastri demonstrated strong pace throughout the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend. He initially took the lead from pole-sitter and teammate Lando Norris on the opening lap. Piastri maintained control at the front of the field for a significant portion of the race.
However, Piastri’s race was compromised following a collision with Carlos Sainz Jr. during a pit stop sequence. This incident, combined with a subsequent gearbox issue, forced the McLaren driver to retire from the Grand Prix.
Montoya’s assessment highlights Piastri’s performance prior to the race-ending events. Lando Norris ultimately secured McLaren’s first victory of the 2026 season at the Hungaroring.
McLaren has recorded one victory and five podium finishes after eleven Grands Prix in the current 2026 season. The team currently holds third position in the Constructors’ Championship with 220 points.
Montoya had previously predicted McLaren would begin to win races by mid-season. His recent remarks underscore the team’s competitive resurgence and the potential demonstrated by both its drivers.
