Piastri says F1 2026 season has been tougher than expected

Oscar Piastri has admitted that adapting to Formula 1's new cars in 2026 has been "tougher than expected" during a challenging season with McLaren. Speaking to F1.com, the Australian said the team has not been as competitive as it wanted, and that he has struggled to get to grips with the car.

Piastri said his smooth driving style has proven less suited to the current cars, which produce less downforce than their predecessors, and that the McLaren MCL40 is hard to drive consistently on the limit. He said he has needed to change and tweak a number of things in how he drives.

He has three races left to avoid his first winless season since 2023 and has not stood on the podium since round four. Teammate Lando Norris has three victories, leaving a 94-point gap between the McLaren drivers.