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via PlanetF1Oscar Piastri experiments emerge in search for McLaren MCL40 breakthroughOscar Piastri is actively experimenting with the McLaren MCL40 in search of a breakthrough during the 2026 Formula 1 season. He has acknowledged the team's increased engineering support as they work to improve his performance, which has been challenging under the new regulations.
Despite struggling compared to his teammate Lando Norris, who has achieved two race wins, Piastri remains optimistic about making progress. He has noted that while the path to improvement is not straightforward, he feels supported by McLaren's efforts and is committed to finding effective solutions to enhance his performance on the track.
Wed 23 Sep · 18:47 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRalf Schumacher urges Aston Martin not to waste time and take action over Honda ‘embarrassment’Ralf Schumacher has called on Aston Martin to take decisive action regarding their Honda engine, which he describes as an 'embarrassment' following their struggles for consistent power. Despite debuting a new Honda engine at the Dutch Grand Prix, the team has not seen the expected improvements, leading to speculation about a potential switch to Mercedes or Red Bull engines.
During a podcast, Schumacher expressed his concerns about Honda's performance and suggested that Aston Martin should explore other engine suppliers without delay. He believes that while Audi could be a contender, Mercedes would be a safer bet for the team. Schumacher emphasised the need for Aston Martin to eliminate sources of error, particularly in their gearbox, to compete effectively in Formula 1.
Wed 23 Sep · 17:30 UTC
via Motorsport.comJolyon Palmer suggests Oscar Piastri needs F1 reset in blunt Lando Norris comparisonJolyon Palmer has suggested that Oscar Piastri may need a winter reset following a challenging 2026 season with McLaren. Piastri's recent performance has been inconsistent, particularly in comparison to his teammate Lando Norris, who has been performing strongly, including securing pole position at the Spanish Grand Prix. Piastri currently sits seventh in the drivers' standings with 120 points, while Norris is fourth with 186 points.
Palmer pointed out that Piastri had a promising half-season in 2025 but has struggled to maintain that form in 2026. He noted that Piastri has been unable to match Norris's consistency and suggested that a reset could help Piastri regain his competitive edge. Palmer also referenced Piastri's previous success in lower racing categories, indicating that he has the potential to perform at a higher level.
Wed 23 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comOscar Piastri and George Russell agree on the issue with modern F1 amid difficult 2026 seasonsOscar Piastri and George Russell have expressed their shared concerns regarding the challenges posed by modern Formula 1, particularly during the 2026 season. Despite a significant points gap, both drivers are facing difficulties adapting to new technical regulations, which they attribute largely to limited testing opportunities compared to other sports.
In a recent press conference ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Russell highlighted the need for more practice time, while Piastri acknowledged the complexities of finding quick solutions to their issues. Both drivers remain optimistic about making progress, emphasizing their confidence in their skills and the support from their teams as they navigate these challenges.Wed 23 Sep · 16:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comRalf Schumacher fears Oliver Bearman could become a ‘wasted talent’ after suffering a ‘huge blow’Ralf Schumacher has voiced his worries regarding Oliver Bearman's potential to become a 'wasted talent' while driving for Haas in 2026. After a promising start to the season, Bearman has struggled to score points, with his last points finish occurring at the Montreal Grand Prix. Schumacher believes that Bearman needs to secure a move away from Haas to continue his development as a Formula 1 driver.
Bearman, who debuted with Ferrari in 2024, has been highly regarded in the paddock, with interest from Red Bull before they secured Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar for 2027. As Bearman's contract with Ferrari is set to expire at the end of 2026, the pressure is on for him to make a significant career decision soon, especially as Schumacher fears that remaining at Haas could hinder his potential.Wed 23 Sep · 14:00 UTC
via Formula1.comPiastri insists he’s ‘making progress’ despite setbacksOscar Piastri has expressed optimism about his progress with McLaren despite facing challenges in the 2026 season. He acknowledged the team's support and their ongoing efforts to improve performance, stating that they are not standing still in their development. Piastri noted that while he has struggled to match his teammate Lando Norris, who has had recent success, he feels they are exploring different solutions to enhance his performance.
Piastri highlighted the difficulties posed by the new generation of cars, which do not align with his previous racing style. He emphasized the need for constant adaptation and the importance of having a well-thought-out approach to improvements. As he prepares for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Piastri reflected on his mixed experiences at the track, hoping for a better outcome this year compared to the previous season.
Wed 23 Sep · 13:31 UTC
via f1chronicle.comOscar Piastri Searches for Answers After an ‘Anonymous’ Weekend Leaves Him Trailing Lando NorrisOscar Piastri is searching for clarity regarding his performance after a disappointing outing at the Spanish Grand Prix, where he finished in eighth place. His teammate, Lando Norris, secured pole position and has significantly outperformed Piastri this season, leading to a 66-point gap in the championship standings.
Despite a challenging season, pundits believe Piastri still possesses the potential to win, especially at the Baku City Circuit, where he previously triumphed. However, concerns have been raised about his consistency and ability to match Norris's improvements, leading to speculation about a potential reset for Piastri as the season progresses.
Tue 22 Sep · 21:46 UTC/Piastri%20Madrid.webp)
via Formula1.comHow can Piastri recover from ‘anonymous’ Madrid weekend?Oscar Piastri is facing difficulties following a disappointing performance in the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he qualified ninth and crashed during the race. His teammate, Lando Norris, has significantly outperformed him, leading to a 66-point gap in the standings. Analysts James Hinchcliffe and Jolyon Palmer discussed Piastri's struggles and the need for him to close the performance gap with Norris, especially after a season where he initially showed promise.
Despite the challenges, Palmer noted that Piastri's lack of pressure from the championship fight could provide him with the opportunity to improve. He highlighted that while Piastri has shown potential in the past, his consistency has been lacking compared to Norris. As the team prepares for the upcoming races, there are hopes that Piastri can regain his form and deliver strong performances, particularly at circuits where he has previously succeeded.Tue 22 Sep · 13:10 UTC
via grandprix.comSchumacher reads new confidence in Norris title chargeRalf Schumacher believes that Lando Norris has shown increased confidence in the 2026 Formula 1 title race, suggesting that he may have received coaching to enhance his public persona. Schumacher's observations are based on Norris's recent assertive comments and improved performances, particularly regarding his position among the highest-paid drivers in the sport.
Despite Schumacher's speculation, there is no concrete evidence to confirm that Norris has employed a coach. The true test of Norris's capabilities will come during the upcoming race in Baku, where his performance against teammate Oscar Piastri and other title contenders will provide a clearer picture of his championship prospects.
via RacingNews365McLaren call on Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to execute three 'essentials' in BakuMcLaren has outlined three key requirements for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri as they prepare for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The team is set to implement a major aerodynamic upgrade to enhance the performance of their MCL40 cars, particularly focusing on airflow around the floor and rear tyres to improve balance on the circuit's long straights.
Rob Marshall, McLaren's chief technical officer, emphasised the unique challenges posed by Baku's layout, which combines the longest straight in Formula 1 with tight corners. He stressed the importance of energy, tyre, and brake management, as well as the need for confidence and precision from the drivers to navigate the demanding street circuit successfully.
Tue 22 Sep · 10:55 UTC
via f1oversteer.comJolyon Palmer claims Oscar Piastri has only looked ‘amazing’ for ‘half a season’ in his F1 careerJolyon Palmer has expressed doubts about Oscar Piastri's performance in Formula 1, stating that he has only shown exceptional skill for half a season. Palmer highlighted Piastri's struggles compared to his teammate Lando Norris, who has been the standout driver for McLaren, securing both of the team's wins and all three poles this season.
Despite a promising start to his career, including a strong performance in 2023, Piastri has faced challenges in maintaining consistency. Palmer noted that Piastri's win drought has now lasted over a year, and while he has the potential for great performances, his overall record shows a significant gap in comparison to Norris.Tue 22 Sep · 07:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comToto Wolff's 'league of his own' comments highlight why Lando Norris is beating Oscar PiastriToto Wolff praised Lando Norris for his exceptional performance during qualifying at the Spanish Grand Prix, where Norris achieved pole position with a remarkable lap time of 1:31.385. Wolff noted Norris' skill in managing rear tyre overheating, especially under challenging hot conditions, which set him apart from his teammate Oscar Piastri.
Despite the compliments, Piastri's ongoing difficulties with tyre management were acknowledged, with McLaren's recent upgrades aimed at addressing these issues. Team principal Andrea Stella has urged Piastri to adapt his driving style to improve his performance, as his struggles have been a recurring theme in his career.Mon 21 Sep · 06:00 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMcLaren engineers think they have fix for one key ‘weakness’ of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s carMcLaren is preparing to introduce significant upgrades for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, focusing on enhancing the performance of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri's MCL40 car. These upgrades include a new underbody and a modified version of their Macarena rear wing, aimed at improving the car's aerodynamics, particularly in slow-speed corners where the team has identified weaknesses. The decision on which rear wing to use will be made after practice sessions in Baku.
The upgrades come after a challenging 2025 Azerbaijan GP for both drivers, where Piastri faced multiple issues, including a crash and a poor start. Despite these setbacks, McLaren's engineers are optimistic that the new aerodynamic package will allow Norris and Piastri to compete for pole position. Recent performances have shown that the MCL40 is competitive in medium-speed turns, and the team is looking to build on this momentum as they head into the race weekend.Sat 19 Sep · 20:00 UTC
via gpfans.comFerrari boss 'annoyed' with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, claims F1 insiderFerrari team principal Fred Vasseur is reportedly frustrated with drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc following a first-lap incident during the Italian Grand Prix. Ralf Schumacher suggested that Vasseur's annoyance was due to Hamilton being forced off the track by Leclerc, which negatively impacted Hamilton's race, finishing in tenth place. Leclerc also faced difficulties, crashing shortly after the incident.
In response to the situation, Vasseur spoke with both drivers to remind them of the team's operational principles. Hamilton expressed his desire for clearer communication and 'rules of engagement' to prevent future conflicts. Both drivers later addressed the incident, with Leclerc admitting his mistake and Hamilton noting the importance of their open discussion to move forward.
Sat 19 Sep · 07:58 UTC
via the-race.comThe real reason Russell and Piastri are struggling in F1 2026In the 2026 Formula 1 season, drivers like George Russell and Oscar Piastri are facing significant challenges due to a mismatch between their driving styles and the new car and tire regulations. Russell finished fifth in the Madring race, significantly behind his teammate Kimi Antonelli, and noted that his struggles stem from how he drives compared to the demands of the current generation of cars. He observed that drivers who are performing well, such as Antonelli, Lewis Hamilton, and Lando Norris, share similar driving styles that align better with the 2026 car characteristics.
The article discusses how the reduced downforce and tire grip of the 2026 cars have raised the crossover point of circuit grip, making certain driving techniques less effective. While Russell and Piastri tend to drive with a geometric ideal that works well on high-grip tracks, they struggle as grip decreases. In contrast, drivers like Hamilton and Norris have adapted their styles to better manage energy and grip, allowing them to perform more effectively. Ultimately, Russell and Piastri must adjust their approaches to keep pace with their competitors in this evolving racing landscape.
Fri 18 Sep · 09:11 UTC
via PlanetF1Ralf Schumacher’s blunt verdict on Max Verstappen’s furious Spanish GP outburstDuring the Spanish Grand Prix, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton engaged in a contentious battle for position on the opening lap. Verstappen attempted to overtake Hamilton but ended up going off-track, which led to a controversial situation where he was instructed by his team to give the position back to Hamilton. Despite his frustration, Verstappen complied and allowed both Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli to pass him, only to later regain his position against Hamilton before the latter's retirement due to brake failure.
Ralf Schumacher weighed in on the incident, acknowledging Verstappen's frustration but asserting that he did gain an advantage by leaving the track. Verstappen ultimately finished the race in second place, while Hamilton's retirement left him with a challenging situation in the championship standings. Verstappen currently sits sixth in the Drivers' Championship, significantly behind Antonelli.Thu 17 Sep · 08:28 UTC
via grandprix.comMcLaren aims to help Piastri regain competitive edgeAndrea Stella stated that McLaren has a clear agenda to help Oscar Piastri unlock his potential as he adjusts to the 2026 car. Stella noted that improving Piastri's qualifying and execution is essential for him to close the performance gap to his teammate Lando Norris.
via gpfans.comF1 star issues Zak Brown apology after getting it badly wrong about Oscar PiastriRomain Grosjean has publicly apologized to Zak Brown after mistakenly misquoting the McLaren CEO regarding Oscar Piastri's performance. Grosjean's initial comments suggested that Brown had criticized Piastri as being slower than his teammate Lando Norris, which caused a stir online. However, Brown's actual remarks indicated that Piastri was competitive but did not achieve the same lap time as Norris during qualifying.
Oscar Piastri, who is currently experiencing a challenging season, sits seventh in the Drivers' standings, significantly trailing Norris. Following a disappointing eighth-place finish at the Spanish Grand Prix, Grosjean quickly retracted his comments and expressed regret for the misunderstanding, emphasizing the importance of fair treatment for drivers within the McLaren team.Tue 15 Sep · 20:45 UTC
via f1oversteer.comOscar Piastri’s McLaren engineer admits he had an ‘impossible’ problem at the Spanish Grand PrixOscar Piastri had a challenging race at the Spanish Grand Prix, starting with a collision with George Russell that damaged his front-left endplate. Despite qualifying in seventh place, the damage hindered his performance, and McLaren was unable to make necessary repairs during the race. Piastri struggled with overtaking opportunities due to the track's design, ultimately finishing in eighth place while teammate Lando Norris managed to secure third despite facing his own difficulties with pit timing.
Piastri's race engineer, Tom Stallard, noted the difficulties of overtaking and the impact of the damage on Piastri's performance. After the race, Piastri expressed his frustration but also highlighted the importance of learning from the experience. Moving forward, McLaren plans to focus on providing more support to Piastri as he continues to adapt and improve in the upcoming races.Tue 15 Sep · 19:00 UTC
via F1iPiastri salvages silver ling despite Madrid miseryOscar Piastri faced a difficult race at the Spanish Grand Prix, finishing in eighth place after sustaining front wing damage on the first lap due to contact with George Russell. Starting on hard compound tyres, Piastri found himself stuck in traffic, which hindered his ability to make progress on the tight circuit. The deployment of the Virtual Safety Car further complicated his strategy, as it allowed other drivers to pit for fresh tyres at a crucial moment.
Despite the challenges, Piastri managed to salvage some points and noted that there were positive aspects to take away from the race, particularly during moments when he had clear track ahead. He expressed hope that the data collected would help McLaren improve their setup and strategy for upcoming races, emphasizing the need for a thorough review to address the issues faced during the event.
Tue 15 Sep · 16:27 UTCPage 4 of 11