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via f1technical.netMcLaren Unveils Special Livery for Upcoming Grands PrixMcLaren has introduced a new livery for its MCL40 cars, celebrating four years with partner OKX. This special design will be showcased at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix in Monza and the Spanish Grand Prix.
via CrashWinless for a year in F1 - what’s happened to former title contender Oscar Piastri?Oscar Piastri, a former title contender, has struggled significantly in the 2026 Formula 1 season, failing to secure a win since his last victory at the Dutch Grand Prix in 2025. Despite McLaren's previous success, the team has faced challenges this season, including a lack of wins in the first ten races and performance discrepancies between Piastri and his teammate Lando Norris, who has achieved four podiums, including two wins.
Piastri's difficulties have been attributed to various factors, including a change in engine regulations that has affected his driving style and the overall performance of the car. Team principal Andrea Stella noted that Piastri's struggles are not solely due to his driving but also involve team-related issues and the car's handling characteristics. As McLaren continues to develop their car, there is hope that Piastri can regain his competitive edge.
via the-race.comWhat's gone wrong for this former F1 title contenderOscar Piastri, once a leading contender for the Formula 1 championship, has faced a challenging season, currently sitting 55 points behind his teammate Lando Norris. Despite a strong start last year, Piastri has not secured a victory since Zandvoort 2025 and has struggled with the current car's handling, particularly in low-grip conditions. His driving style has been compared unfavorably to Norris, who has adapted better to the new generation of cars.
Experts have debated Piastri's performance, noting that while he has had some strong moments, such as leading at Suzuka, he has also experienced significant gaps in pace compared to Norris. Piastri's early season was hindered by missing the first two races, and while he shows potential for improvement, there are concerns about his consistency and ability to adapt quickly to the evolving demands of Formula 1.
via f1oversteer.comOscar Piastri Addresses Performance Challenges Ahead of Italian GPOscar Piastri has discussed his ongoing struggles with performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season, particularly in comparison to teammate Lando Norris. He is exploring experimental strategies to improve his pace and address the issues affecting his driving.
via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri prepared for 'different beast' battle in McLaren waiting gameOscar Piastri is gearing up for a challenging race at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, where McLaren will test if their recent strong performance can carry over to this high-speed circuit. His teammate, Lando Norris, has recently achieved notable success, winning two races, but Piastri is aware that Monza presents a different set of challenges due to its unique characteristics compared to previous tracks.
Piastri has been struggling with the pace of his car, particularly noting difficulties with the rear during races. Despite feeling more confident in qualifying at the Dutch Grand Prix, he has experienced inconsistencies throughout the season, with some races leaving him significantly behind the competition. The upcoming race will be a critical test for McLaren's performance and Piastri's ability to adapt to the demands of Monza.
via Motorsport.comA year without a win – The ugly statistics of Oscar Piastri's 2026 F1 seasonOscar Piastri has not secured a victory in Formula 1 since his win at the Dutch Grand Prix in August 2025. Despite starting the 2026 season with high hopes, he has faced numerous challenges, including power unit issues that prevented him from competing in Australia and China. His teammate, Lando Norris, has consistently outperformed him, winning several races and achieving a significant lead in qualifying statistics.
Piastri's struggles are attributed to difficulties with the McLaren MCL40's rear axle and his driving style, which has not adapted well to low-grip conditions. While recent upgrades have improved McLaren's competitiveness, Piastri continues to face issues with tire degradation and overall performance in races. His comments indicate a desire for better balance and downforce, highlighting the ongoing challenges he faces in the 2026 season.
via thejudge13.comIs Oscar Piastri at Risk at McLaren? Why the Aussie’s Pace Has DisappearedOscar Piastri's performance has significantly declined in the 2026 Formula 1 season compared to his successful 2025 campaign, where he won the Dutch Grand Prix. Despite a strong start, he has struggled with qualifying and race pace, leading to a notable points deficit against his teammate Lando Norris, who has excelled in recent races. Team principal Andrea Stella has attributed Piastri's difficulties to technical challenges rather than psychological issues, highlighting the need for him to adapt to the new low-grip car conditions introduced this season.
The article discusses the impact of the 2026 regulation changes, which have reduced downforce and altered car dynamics. Piastri's inability to perform well in low-grip situations raises concerns about his future in Formula 1, as these conditions are common in the sport. With only four podiums since his last win and a concerning average race result, the pressure is on Piastri to recalibrate his driving style to regain competitiveness.
via f1oversteer.comOscar Piastri just got clear evidence that Lando Norris is slowly becoming McLaren’s Max VerstappenLando Norris has officially extended his contract with McLaren until 2030, solidifying his long-term future with the team. This decision comes amidst speculation regarding the roles of both Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri, with concerns that Piastri's standing within the team may be affected by Norris's newfound leadership ambitions. Norris aims to leverage his influence to benefit the team, which could potentially position him as the primary driver at McLaren, similar to Max Verstappen's role at Red Bull.
As Norris takes on this leadership role, Piastri's future may be uncertain, given that his contract runs until 2028. The dynamics within the team could shift, with Norris's growing power possibly leading to Piastri being relegated to a supporting position. Piastri will need to evaluate how these changes impact his career aspirations in Formula 1 before making any decisions about his future with McLaren.
via f1oversteer.comMark Webber once shared the key area Fernando Alonso ‘isn’t as solid’ as ‘phenomenal’ Lewis HamiltonMark Webber, a former F1 driver, shared insights on the skills of Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton during a 2023 interview. He highlighted that while both drivers are exceptional, Hamilton excels in wet conditions, describing him as 'phenomenal' and noting that Alonso is not as solid in extreme rain. Webber's reflections come from his experiences racing against both champions, emphasizing their mental strength and commitment to the sport.
Webber also expressed pride in the longevity of both drivers' careers, having competed against them in high-pressure situations. He acknowledged that racing against them made him a better driver, and he holds great respect for their achievements in Formula 1.
via AutosportLando Norris Signs Contract Extension with McLaren Until 2030Lando Norris has officially extended his contract with McLaren, securing his position with the team until 2030. This long-term commitment raises questions about the implications for fellow driver Oscar Piastri.
via f1oversteer.comGuenther Steiner says there’s only one possible explanation for Oscar Piastri’s poor 2026 formOscar Piastri's performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season has significantly declined, with him now trailing teammate Lando Norris by 55 points after previously leading by 34 points. Guenther Steiner attributes this drop in form to the reduced role of Mark Webber in Piastri's setup, suggesting that Webber's presence was crucial to Piastri's success last season when their head-to-head results were level.
Steiner noted that while other elite drivers have adapted to changes in regulations, Piastri has struggled, possibly due to the absence of Webber at the track. Piastri has since reshuffled his management, which has led to speculation about the impact of this change on his performance. Despite these challenges, Piastri continues to build his experience, having recently completed his 80th race.
via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri addresses dispelled Max Verstappen to McLaren jeopardyPiastri highlighted his satisfaction with McLaren, noting the team's significant role in his early career successes, including two constructors' championships and race wins. While he refrained from committing to a long-term future with McLaren, he acknowledged the strong relationship he has developed with the team over the past three and a half years.
via F1iWebber reveals how F1 greats shaped his guidance of PiastriMark Webber plays a significant role in guiding Oscar Piastri's early career in Formula 1, leveraging his own extensive experience in the sport. As Piastri's manager, Webber shares valuable lessons learned from his time racing alongside legends like Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel, as well as insights gained from interactions with athletes from other sports. He believes that the initial years in F1 are particularly challenging and emphasizes the importance of discipline and longevity in achieving success.
Webber's mentorship has been instrumental in Piastri's transition from junior categories to F1, including a strategic move from Alpine to McLaren. Although Webber has stepped back from regular trackside involvement, he continues to support Piastri's development by ensuring that the knowledge he has accumulated throughout his career is passed on. This approach reflects Webber's commitment to fostering talent and sharing the wisdom gained from his own journey in motorsport.
via f1oversteer.comRalf Schumacher says Oscar Piastri is now officially McLaren’s ‘number two’ after the Dutch GPRalf Schumacher has declared that Oscar Piastri has taken on the role of McLaren's 'number two' driver following Lando Norris' victory at the Dutch Grand Prix. Norris' win marks a significant turnaround for McLaren, as he has now secured two consecutive victories this season, while Piastri struggled to keep pace, finishing in sixth place and over 32 seconds behind his teammate. Schumacher attributes Piastri's current performance issues to a lack of adaptation to the new regulations compared to Norris, who has excelled in the same machinery.
The article highlights the impact of Piastri's recent results on his reputation within the F1 paddock, suggesting that he is no longer viewed as a potential team leader. Schumacher emphasizes that while Piastri remains a talented driver, his performance has led to a decline in his standing in the driver market. Despite the challenges he faces, there is still potential for improvement as the season progresses, leaving the door open for changes in team dynamics.
via RacingNews365Lando Norris Achieves Back-to-Back Wins in Recent RacesLando Norris has secured consecutive victories in the latest Formula 1 races, enhancing his chances in the championship. Meanwhile, teammate Oscar Piastri acknowledges the challenges he faces as he trails behind Norris.
via f1chronicle.comOscar Piastri Admits He Has ‘No Answers’ for a Sudden Pace Loss That Cost Him a Podium at the Dutch Grand PrixOscar Piastri experienced a disappointing race at the Dutch Grand Prix, finishing in sixth place after initially competing for a podium. Despite a strong start and an overtaking maneuver against George Russell, a slow pit stop and a subsequent loss of pace hindered his performance, leaving him unable to explain the sudden drop in speed. Team principal Andrea Stella expressed confidence in Piastri's potential, suggesting that his result did not reflect his competitiveness throughout the weekend.
Lando Norris, Piastri's teammate, secured victory, marking his second consecutive win and highlighting the contrasting fortunes of the two drivers. As the team prepares for the upcoming race in Monza, Piastri hopes to identify the reasons behind his pace issues and improve his performance moving forward.
via grandprix.comNorris gathers momentum as Piastri searches for answersAt the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, Lando Norris celebrated his second consecutive victory, following a strong performance that saw him overcome early challenges with tire management. Despite winning by a significant margin, he acknowledged ongoing weaknesses in the McLaren car, particularly in slow corners. Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri faced difficulties during the race, finishing sixth after a promising start was hindered by a slow pit stop and subsequent grip issues.
The contrasting outcomes for the McLaren drivers highlight a growing concern for Piastri, who is now tasked with diagnosing the reasons behind his drop in performance. As McLaren continues to improve and challenge teams like Mercedes, understanding the factors affecting Piastri's pace will be crucial for the team's future success. With momentum on Norris's side, Piastri's ability to regain his competitive edge will be vital as they head into the next race in Monza.
via Motorsport.comOscar Piastri confused by pace deficit to Lando Norris in F1 2026Oscar Piastri is facing challenges in maximizing the performance of his McLaren compared to teammate Lando Norris, who has recently won two races from pole. Piastri's struggles include a sixth-place finish and a DNF, leaving him significantly behind Norris in the standings and qualifying head-to-head results this season. Despite showing potential in qualifying, Piastri has not been able to convert that into race performance, finishing notably behind Norris in recent races.
The McLaren team has identified technical issues contributing to Piastri's difficulties, including a slow pitstop and problems with tire performance during the race. Team principal Andrea Stella emphasized the need for optimization, as the competitive nature of the current F1 season means that even minor issues can lead to significant positional losses. Piastri's adaptation to the new regulations and lower grip conditions remains a focus for the team moving forward.
via gpfans.comMcLaren given Daniel Ricciardo 'black mark' as Project Piastri faltersMcLaren has faced significant criticism for their decision to replace Daniel Ricciardo with Oscar Piastri, who joined the team for the 2023 season after a contentious negotiation with Alpine. Initially, Piastri showed great promise, leading the championship by mid-2025, but his performance has since declined, and he now sits in seventh place in the standings, trailing teammate Lando Norris by 55 points as of 2026.
Former F1 team boss Peter Windsor has publicly stated that McLaren's handling of Piastri has been poor, suggesting that the team would have been better off retaining Ricciardo. Windsor argues that Piastri's move to McLaren has hindered his career trajectory, as he was once viewed as a rising star in Formula 1 but is now overshadowed by other drivers.
via Motorsport.comWho slept worst last night: Oscar PiastriOscar Piastri's trajectory in Formula 1 has shifted dramatically over the past year, moving from a promising champion-in-the-making to what appears to be McLaren's second driver behind Lando Norris. After winning the Dutch Grand Prix in 2025, Piastri now finds himself significantly behind Norris in the championship standings, with a 55-point deficit as of 2026. This change in dynamics has raised questions about Piastri's performance and the team's internal hierarchy.
Despite his past successes and reputation as a prodigy, Piastri has struggled to match Norris's pace in the current season. Team principal Andrea Stella has highlighted Norris's ability to adapt to challenging conditions, while Piastri has expressed frustration with the car's performance. The contrasting fortunes of the two drivers have led to speculation about Piastri's status within the team, as he navigates the pressures of competition and expectations.Page 3 of 6