McLaren CEO Zak Brown has indicated that Oscar Piastri is demonstrating increased confidence and control over the MCL40, following a challenging start to his 2026 Formula 1 season. Brown’s comments were made during the Singapore Grand Prix, where Piastri secured a fifth-place finish.
Piastri’s season began with significant setbacks, including a crash on the reconnaissance lap at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. This incident, attributed to an unexpected power surge and wheelspin on a kerb, prevented him from starting his home race.
He also failed to start the Chinese Grand Prix due to an electrical issue with his MCL40, which was linked to the same power unit component as the Melbourne incident. This resulted in two consecutive non-starts for the Australian driver.
Despite these early difficulties, Piastri achieved two podium finishes: a second-place in Japan and a third-place in Miami. However, his performance has been inconsistent, particularly when compared to teammate and reigning Formula 1 Champion Lando Norris.
Norris currently holds a 17-11 advantage over Piastri in qualifying sessions. He has also secured two Grand Prix victories this season, winning in Hungary and the Netherlands.
Piastri experienced a significant setback at the Hungarian Grand Prix, retiring due to a gearbox failure while leading the race. Norris went on to win that event. This contributed to a 63-point deficit to Norris in the Drivers’ Championship as of mid-October.
Further struggles emerged at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where Piastri, running in a potential podium position, suffered a double lock-up into Turn 1 during a safety car restart. This error dropped him to 14th place.
Piastri acknowledged his difficulties earlier in the season, stating that previous driving techniques were not effective with the 2026 McLaren MCL40. He noted the need to adapt and find new approaches to the car’s characteristics.
I think he is. I think we’ve seen with these cars, it’s kind of mixed up the field a little bit, right? Lewis is getting the better out of the Ferrari right now; George got more out of the car last year than Kimi. I think these cars are so complex. Some have adapted a little bit quicker than others, but I’m liking what I’m seeing out of Oscar. He’s feeling more confident and on top of things. I like where both our drivers are now.
Brown highlighted the complexity of the 2026 regulations, which introduced new engines, revised aerodynamics, and active aero systems. These changes have required significant adaptation from drivers across the grid.
The McLaren MCL40 features a 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged hybrid power unit with an enhanced MGU-K, and active front and rear wings. McLaren currently holds third position in the 2026 Constructors’ Championship with 339 points.
Piastri, a nine-time Grand Prix winner with 28 career podiums, finished third in the 2025 Drivers’ Championship. His current 2026 season standing is seventh, with 138 points.
