Oscar Piastri also responds to the F1 regulation changes. The Miami GP is the first race under the regulation adjustments, but according to the Australian, too much is expected from the changes for the 2026 regulations. ‘The pecking order will not change,’ predicts the McLaren driver. ‘They are just small changes’.
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The FIA used the five weeks between the Japan GP and Miami GP to review the 2026 regulations. The governing body then decided to implement rule changes with immediate effect. Among others, team principal James Vowles and driver Carlos Sainz responded positively, although the Spaniard emphasized that it is only a first step.
Oscar Piastri agrees with his colleague. “Of course, the call for changes became much louder after Ollie’s (Bearman, ed.) crash at Suzuka,” the Australian begins in the press conference. “It’s good that they (the FIA, ed.) listened, and the changes are well thought out. But I already tried it in the simulator and only a few things were really better. However, we have to see how it works on the track. Hopefully, it reduces the chance of similar incidents as Ollie’s.”
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Mario Kart
Sergio Pérez is also happy with the adjustments. “The incident at Suzuka was really scary,” says the Mexican. “However, we still have to see how it plays out on the track, these rules are so unpredictable. There is a gap in the calendar again before the Canada GP. So if more changes are needed, that is possible.” With his general opinion on the regulations, Pérez aligns himself with Verstappen: “I used to play a lot of Mario Kart, so I am well prepared.”
With the introduced rule changes, there was also talk of a ‘restart’ of the Formula 1 season. According to Piastri, however, the regulation adjustments do not go far enough for that. “Of course, many teams will also bring upgrades this weekend, but it will not change the pecking order. They are just small changes. Mercedes is clearly strong. The championship is far from decided, but McLaren needs to find more performance quickly if we still want to compete in the fight.”
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