Piastri still hoping to win races to set up 2027 title bid

MADRID, Sept 12 : Oscar Piastri led Formula One by a healthy margin this time last year but now, with his title dreams effectively over for another season, the Australian says he is doing all he can to give himself the best shot at a championship challenge in 2027.

That means winning at least one race to help rescue a disappointing year after the highs of 2025 and, with leaders Mercedes disappearing over the horizon, helping champions McLaren beat Ferrari to second place in the constructors' standings.

The 25-year-old was 31 points clear of British teammate Lando Norris, the eventual champion, at the top after the September 7 Italian Grand Prix last year and had won seven of 16 races.

Piastri left Monza this year still without a win to his credit after 13 rounds and 151 points behind Mercedes' championship leader Kimi Antonelli but fifth in that race and feeling he had taken "a much better step in the right direction.

"Of course, I would love to win a race or two this year, or more if I can," he told Reuters at the Spanish Grand Prix.

"But for me, honestly, the biggest thing, the end goal is to try and win championships. And if I can't do that this year, then I want to make sure I'm as best prepared as I can for next year."

REASONABLE CHANCE OF BEATING FERRARI 

Piastri's best result in the first season of the sport's new engine and rules era has been second place behind Antonelli in Japan last March, while teammate Lando Norris has won twice.

The Australian started the season with two 'did not starts', including one at home in Melbourne.

"Never say never but it is going to be incredibly challenging for the championship," said the Australian with typical deadpan understatement.

"(We're) trying to do the best we can in the