The team principal of McLaren, Andrea Stella, has highlighted that Oscar Piastri, the team’s driver, needs to improve his driving style to achieve better performance with the 2026 Formula 1 car. According to Stella, the Australian driver continues to think too much about the specifics of the new car, which hinders his adaptation to his driving style.
Piastri has shown some discomfort with the new Formula 1 cars, which due to the 2026 regulations, have undergone significant changes, such as reduced aerodynamic downforce and narrower tires. These factors have affected his performance on track, where he has excelled in high-grip conditions and in fast sections, areas that have been limited by the new regulations.
The McLaren team principal believes that the driver can improve his performance if he achieves a more natural connection with his MCL40. “It is crucial for Piastri to approach his driving style to make his driving less reflective and more instinctive,” said Stella. In a recent race in Monza, Piastri achieved an impressive qualifying in third place, but at the start he got caught in a problem that caused him to lose positions.
In the previous race, Piastri suffered damage to his front wing that compromised his aerodynamics, but thanks to the resilience of the tires, he was able to continue in the competition without changing the component. However, he could not take advantage of the opportunity to gain positions and finished seventh.
Stella has emphasized that Piastri’s situation, while complicated, cannot be attributed solely to visible damage, as the combination of race circumstances has played a fundamental role in the final outcome. The team’s goal is to adjust their strategy to optimize the driver’s performance and help him find a better balance with his car.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
