McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said Oscar Piastri’s lag behind pit‑lane rival Lando Norris comes from the Australian still “thinking and driving” in the 2026 Formula 1 machine.
Grippocalypse: 2026 rules push Piastri out of his comfort zone
The 2026 season’s lower aero output and narrower tires erode high‑grip performance, a specialty for Piastri’s earlier years in straight‑line speed and efficient cornering. Stella explains that the new power‑train “charge‑and‑deploy” system forces a more deliberate driving approach, slowing decision‑making and lap times. As a result, Piastri has struggled to keep pace with Norris, who has capitalized on the reduced‑aero platform.
Key moments that expose the gaps
In Monza, Piastri qualified third yet could only line up sixth, illustrating the lack of control over qualifying‑to‑grid execution. “We need to improve execution and stay closer to podium finishes from the start,” Stella added. He also highlighted that the MCL40 still feels alien to Piastri; “he keeps thinking while driving, and that’s where the time is lost.”
Front‑wing damage from the first corner of the Austrian Grand Prix when approaching George Russell’s Mercedes compounded the situation. The diveplane fluttered against the endplate, removing downforce. Stella noted that the car’s hard tyre compound prevented graining, allowing Piastri to stay on track and pass Arvid Lindblad after the pit stop. However, the damaged aero kept him behind Franco Colapinto’s Alpine, ending the sprint in seventh.
Looking ahead: expectations for improvement
Stella remains optimistic, predicting a stronger Piastri once the front‑wing issue is fully addressed and the driver settles into a more instinctive race rhythm. “We expect to get on top of that and see Oscar improve in the final part of the year,” he states, emphasising the urgent need for quicker decision‑making and tighter coordination between driver and car.
With the 2026 regulations demanding rapid adaptation, McLaren’s focus on refining Piastri’s drive flow and minimizing on‑track thought lag could be decisive as the rest of the season unfolds.
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