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Piastri Adapts to New F1 Driving Style
9 Oct
Summary
- Piastri is adapting to the demands of the 2026 Formula 1 cars.
- McLaren acknowledges competitors may have made greater development strides.
- The Australian driver feels personal progress despite car limitations.
Oscar Piastri is increasingly adapting to the driving style required for the 2026 Formula 1 cars. He demonstrated this in Malaysia, making a key strategic decision at the wet start and finishing sixth, ahead of teammate Lando Norris. Piastri noted that his ability to drive differently is becoming more intuitive and less effortful.
However, Piastri anticipates that substantial gains in competitiveness will likely wait until next year, when engine formulas and tire compounds are scheduled for adjustments. He feels his personal performance has improved over the last two weekends, with strong showings in Baku and Malaysia, but acknowledges it's not yet as comfortable as he desires.
McLaren's team boss, Andrea Stella, suggested that rivals might have made greater development strides, with Mercedes and Red Bull now leading the pack, followed by Ferrari and McLaren. Piastri expressed hope that the upcoming sprint weekend in Singapore might offer opportunities for unexpected results, despite the circuit's characteristics not suiting the current McLaren car.
