‘A big smile on my face’ - What it’s like to drive an old F1 car for a current driver

Oscar Piastri, a current McLaren driver, shared his experiences of driving older-generation Formula 1 cars, specifically those from 2007 and 2008. He expressed that these experiences brought him joy and nostalgia, highlighting the lighter weight and distinctive sound of the cars from that era. Piastri refrained from making direct comparisons to current models but acknowledged the enjoyment he felt behind the wheel of these classic machines.

The article discusses the broader context of F1's evolving regulations, particularly the significant changes introduced in the 2026 season, which have faced criticism, especially regarding the new power units. In light of this backlash, there is a push from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to revert to simpler V8 engines in future regulations, reflecting a desire among some fans and drivers to return to the characteristics of older F1 cars.