Oscar Piastri has acknowledged that, while he has no chances in the 2026 drivers’ championship, there is much at stake in the final races of the season. The Australian driver is focused on improving his performances at circuits where he has faced difficulties and adapting to the latest changes that his MCL40 has undergone.
McLaren has introduced a new upgrade package to its car during the United States Grand Prix, including a new front suspension geometry and adjustments to the rear diffuser. However, the team has yet to determine the effectiveness of these updates, and Piastri emphasizes that the car needs to be driven as if every lap were a qualifying lap.
“Right now I need to significantly adapt my driving style compared to other seasons,” Piastri commented to the media in Mexico City. “It has been a big challenge, but I am confident we will find a way to improve.”
Piastri noted that they have recently had positive signs in their performance, although the Austin Grand Prix represented a step back. “You may need to take two steps forward and one back to find your balance and experiment with different setups,” he added.
The driver identified the need to improve the car’s sensitivity, which is difficult to handle in variable conditions, such as track cracks or wind. “The car is faster now than before Austin, but we know our competitors are also very fast, so we need to keep working,” he commented.
Compared to last year, Piastri has noticed that his competitiveness was affected at circuits with low grip surfaces, favoring the more adaptable driving style of his teammate, Lando Norris. This has led McLaren to prioritize improving performance in slow corners, an area where they still have work to do.
Piastri indicated that the sensitivity of the car might be related to various variables, including the Mercedes power unit and the design choices made. “All of this adds up and makes driving a challenge,” he remarked.
Although Piastri no longer has options in the championship, McLaren is fighting to maintain third place in the constructors’ standings, currently tied on points with Red Bull. The McLaren drivers are now focused on improving their situation ahead of next season, with the aim of building a car that can compete for the championship again.
“My goal now is to gather as much knowledge as possible for next year,” Piastri concluded. “That is what motivates me, as future results need to be planned from now on.”
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
