Piastri says McLaren's MCL40 must be 'manhandled' to be quick

Oscar Piastri says McLaren's 2026 Formula 1 car has to be "manhandled" to go quickly, describing the MCL40 as a car that punishes any driver who is not operating at the limit. He said the car has real potential if the limit can be found, but that finding it is very difficult.

Piastri compared it with last year's title-winning car, which he said could be driven more gently while remaining quick. This year, he said, losing even a small amount of commitment costs a lot of time. He admitted McLaren has lost its edge in development, with Red Bull probably the benchmark this season, and said the team's aim is to close that gap over the remaining races.

Piastri is seventh in the drivers' standings with 152 points and three races to go, while McLaren is fourth in the constructors' standings on 398 points.