Oscar Piastri has characterised the initial phase of the 2026 Formula 1 season as ‘definitely up and down’. The McLaren driver acknowledged a period with ‘more lows than highs’ in terms of on-track results. This assessment comes as the team navigates significant regulatory changes introduced for the current year.
McLaren’s overall performance has not met the high standards established during the 2025 season. Last year, teammate Lando Norris secured the drivers’ championship, and McLaren claimed the constructors’ title. The team currently holds third position in the constructors’ standings, trailing Mercedes and Ferrari.
The 2026 regulations have brought substantial overhauls to both chassis and power unit design. Piastri described these changes as a ‘huge reset’ and a ‘completely fundamental change’ to the approach required for driving a Formula 1 car.
Piastri’s natural driving style, often noted as smooth and calculated, appears less suited to the demands of the new machinery. The current generation of F1 cars reportedly rewards a more aggressive approach, requiring drivers to ‘throw the car into corners’ and manage increased sliding.
McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella has commented on Piastri’s ongoing adaptation. Stella believes the Australian is still adjusting to the low-grip characteristics inherent in the 2026 cars.
Despite the challenges, Piastri recorded strong performances at several events. He secured a second-place finish in Japan and a third-place podium in Miami. The Miami weekend also included a second-place finish in the Sprint race.
Conversely, the Barcelona Grand Prix proved to be a particularly difficult weekend for Piastri. His campaign has also been hindered by reliability issues, including two non-starts in Australia and China, and further problems in Hungary.
During the Hungarian Grand Prix, Piastri retired with a suspected gearbox issue. This followed an uncharacteristic radio outburst concerning team strategy.
McLaren’s car development for the MCL40 has faced its own difficulties. The team acknowledges that the car is not yet fully understood. Development delays and initial conceptual missteps have reportedly placed McLaren two to three months behind top competitors like Mercedes.
Piastri maintains that he has gained valuable experience, stating he has ‘learned a lot about how I can improve myself as a driver’. He notes this personal progress may not always be reflected in the race results. The current season’s context has also provided him with more scope for experimentation than a championship battle would allow.
Piastri currently sits seventh in the drivers’ championship standings. He has secured two podium finishes but remains without a victory after 11 rounds of the 2026 season.
