Oscar Piastri does not expect his team McLaren to be the favorite for the world title this year. Who is, according to the Australian, could even change during the season. The McLaren driver does not think that it will already be determined during the Australian Grand Prix which team will be most successful under the new regulations. “Twelve months ago we were stronger,” he states.
Read more FIA approves Petronas fuel for Mercedes power units
McLaren is in a good position, but the competitors seem to have a small lead for now – that is Oscar Piastri’s preliminary conclusion for 2026. According to the nine-time race winner, it is still unclear exactly where the British team stands heading into the season opener. “I think we are in the mix at the moment, but we will know for sure soon enough. We are not in the same place as twelve months ago, when we felt we were strongest. I would certainly not say we are the favorite to win,” Piastri tells Sky Sports F1. He also emphasizes that this season will not be decided during the first race which team is the fastest or best.
‘Long term’
To compete for victories, the McLaren driver emphasizes that some things still need to be adjusted on the MCL40. “With a rule change, there are different directions you can take. We have probably seen a few teams that have chosen a different path. It will be interesting to see which concept eventually turns out to be the best,” says Piastri. The driver notes that the British team is not sitting idle. “One thing is certain, I know how expert our team is, especially the engineers. In recent years we have shown how quickly we can turn things around. Regardless of what rules are imposed on us, we will get there. There is a lot of development and a lot of learning involved, especially for us as drivers. Whoever masters that the fastest in this long season will be at the top in the long term.”
Read more Gasly trusts F1 decision for Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races: ‘There is a lot at stake’
The Australian – who is racing in front of his home crowd this weekend – indicates that the Albert Park circuit is a challenging track. Partly due to the layout, but also in terms of the new power units that are equally divided between the internal combustion engine and electrical energy. “Melbourne will be a unique challenge. Different circuits will be challenging with these cars, especially when it comes to managing the engine and battery. It will be a complex race regardless,” Piastri concludes.
‘Among the big four’
McLaren CEO Zak Brown also sees that his team still needs to develop. During the winter test in Bahrain, he already indicated that the British are in the top four, but sees Ferrari and Mercedes as the favorites for now. “I think we will be among the big four, because we have built a good car. Ferrari and Mercedes look strong. We probably haven’t seen everything from Red Bull yet. It will be a long season with a lot of development,” Brown indicates.
Read more KitKat celebrates Formula 1 partnership with life-size chocolate car
Read everything about the Australian GP here
