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via f1oversteer.comMartin Brundle and Nico Rosberg won’t accept McLaren explanation for Oscar Piastri’s drop-offMcLaren has cited Oscar Piastri's driving style as a key factor in his disappointing performance during the 2026 season, where he has only managed two podium finishes in the first 14 races. Team principal Andrea Stella mentioned that Piastri struggles with the MCL40 due to reduced downforce, which has made the car more challenging to handle. This situation contrasts sharply with his successful 2025 season, where he won seven races and was a strong contender for the championship.
Former drivers Martin Brundle and Nico Rosberg have expressed skepticism regarding McLaren's explanation. Brundle emphasized the importance of adaptability in F1, while Rosberg argued that top drivers must be versatile to succeed. Both commentators noted that Piastri's smooth driving style may not be suited to the current car dynamics, which require a more aggressive approach. Meanwhile, Lando Norris's improved performance has shifted the team dynamics, further highlighting Piastri's struggles.
via f1oversteer.comRalf Schumacher says Fred Vasseur was clearly ‘annoyed’ with Lewis Hamilton before Spanish GPRalf Schumacher observed that Fred Vasseur, the team principal of Ferrari, expressed annoyance towards Lewis Hamilton ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix. This frustration stemmed from the ongoing conflict between Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, which had escalated during the previous race at Monza, where Leclerc's actions led to controversy and criticism of Ferrari's team orders.
During the Spanish GP, Hamilton faced further disappointment as he retired early due to brake failure. This incident, combined with Leclerc's performance, highlighted the challenges Ferrari is facing in maintaining a cohesive team dynamic. Vasseur emphasized the importance of teamwork among drivers to improve their competitive standing in the championship.
via f1oversteer.comNico Rosberg says one Oscar Piastri issue exposed ‘pretty shocking’ reality of the MadringThe Madring made its debut as the host of the Spanish Grand Prix, facing significant criticism for its design and lack of overtaking opportunities. Nico Rosberg highlighted the challenges drivers faced, particularly Oscar Piastri, who was unable to overtake Franco Colapinto despite being on fresher tires, illustrating the track's limitations.
During the race, Fernando Alonso narrowly avoided a collision with Carlos Sainz, emphasizing the circuit's dangers. Piastri's race was compromised early on due to front wing damage, and he expressed frustration over the lack of overtaking options and the timing of the Virtual Safety Car, which hindered his strategy.
via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri admits to exceeding track limitsDuring the Spanish Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri received a black-and-white flag from the FIA for exceeding track limits. The McLaren driver admitted he had gone too far with his maneuver, finishing the race in eighth place.
via f1oversteer.comLando Norris Outperforming Oscar Piastri in 2026 SeasonRalf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya have commented on Lando Norris's performance relative to teammate Oscar Piastri at McLaren in 2026. Both analysts suggest that Norris's skills are highlighting Piastri's struggles in comparison.
via f1technical.netPiastri reveals why he "didn’t have that last bit we needed in the last run"Oscar Piastri expressed disappointment after qualifying seventh for the Spanish Grand Prix, despite McLaren showing competitive pace with Lando Norris achieving pole position. Piastri's performance was hindered by a cautious qualifying strategy that required him to use two sets of soft tyres in Q2, leaving him with only one fresh set for Q3, which affected his final lap performance.
Piastri acknowledged that while the team made improvements throughout the qualifying sessions, he lacked the final pace needed to challenge for a higher position. He emphasized the importance of strategy for the race, given the expected difficulty in overtaking and uncertainties regarding tyre degradation after practice sessions.
via RacingNews365Lando Norris to rely on Oscar Piastri information in Madrid 'backfoot' recoveryLando Norris faced a setback at the Spanish Grand Prix when he was unable to participate in the second practice session due to a gearbox failure on his McLaren. This issue forced him to miss a significant portion of practice time, which he acknowledged would put him on the back foot as he prepares for the race weekend.
To compensate for the lost time, Norris intends to analyze data from his teammate Oscar Piastri, who successfully completed the session and finished seventh. Piastri noted the challenges of mastering the new circuit and highlighted the importance of tire management, indicating that both drivers will need to work hard to improve their performance ahead of qualifying.
via f1oversteer.comJuan Pablo Montoya sees the one area Lando Norris ‘always’ outclasses Oscar PiastriJuan Pablo Montoya feels Mercedes’ George Russell and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri face the same issue because of their teammates, Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Lando Norris. ...
via F1iPiastri insists ‘we’re all good’ after heated Monza battle with NorrisOscar Piastri has downplayed any concerns regarding team dynamics at McLaren following a tense race with teammate Lando Norris at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. Despite a heated battle for fourth place, which included some close moments and Norris expressing frustration over team radio, both drivers have moved past the incident and maintain a positive relationship, even spending time together off the track.
Piastri also reflected on his performance and adaptation to the 2026 McLaren car, noting that he has faced challenges but found some improvements during the Monza race. As they head to the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit, Piastri is eager to see how his recent progress translates into results on a new track.
via RacingNews365Piastri and Lawson caution on Madring circuit risksThe Madring will host its inaugural Formula 1 Grand Prix this weekend, presenting unique challenges for the drivers. Feedback from the grid highlights the circuit's complexity and the potential for mistakes as they navigate the new layout.
via f1oversteer.comRalf Schumacher saw something unprecedented from Fred Vasseur after Ferrari’s disastrous Italian GPRalf Schumacher says he has “never” seen Fred Vasseur as “shaken” as he was after Ferrari’s disastrous performance in last weekend’s Italian Grand Prix. Ferrari’s ...
via f1oversteer.comRalf Schumacher says Red Bull don't 'need' Liam Lawson despite 'better' 2026 performancesRalf Schumacher has expressed skepticism about Liam Lawson's future with Red Bull, despite the driver's improved performance in the 2026 season. Lawson's recent race results have been mixed, including a disappointing P14 finish at the Italian Grand Prix, which has led Schumacher to question whether Red Bull should continue investing in him.
Schumacher also highlighted the potential of other young drivers in the Red Bull program, particularly Nikola Tsolov, who is currently leading the Formula 2 championship. He believes that Red Bull may benefit from exploring new talent rather than relying on Lawson or Yuki Tsunoda, suggesting that the team has sufficient options for the future.
via PlanetF1Oscar Piastri McLaren contract: Rosberg makes McLaren team orders claimNico Rosberg has expressed that Lando Norris is the standout driver at McLaren, suggesting that Oscar Piastri may need to adopt a supporting role in the 2026 season. Following the recent Monza race, where Norris finished fourth, Rosberg noted that while Norris is the primary title contender for McLaren, Piastri's strong performance, finishing just two-tenths behind Norris, indicates his growing competitiveness within the team.
Rosberg raised the possibility of McLaren implementing team orders to support Norris's championship bid, but he also pointed out that Piastri's contract may prevent him from being relegated to a number two position. He compared this situation to his own experience at Mercedes, where contractual obligations influenced team dynamics. Despite the challenges, Piastri has received praise from McLaren's team principal for his progress in adapting to the demands of the current season.
via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri explains 'quite bizarre' Italian GP battle with Lewis HamiltonOscar Piastri had a strong performance at the Italian Grand Prix, finishing in fifth place after a competitive battle with Lewis Hamilton. The race featured significant energy management challenges, which Piastri found unusual and difficult to navigate, especially during his exchanges with Hamilton.
Despite the challenges, Piastri noted that the experience was better than a race with no action. He reflected on the strategic aspects of energy usage, highlighting how Hamilton's aggressive battery use initially gave him an advantage before Piastri managed to reclaim his position.
via f1oversteer.comRalf Schumacher thinks Lewis Hamilton’s post-race accusation revealed Ferrari’s ‘biggest problem’Ralf Schumacher expressed that Lewis Hamilton's post-race comments regarding his incident with Charles Leclerc during the 2026 Italian Grand Prix highlighted a significant issue within Ferrari. Hamilton finished the race in sixth place after recovering from a first-lap incident that saw him drop to ninth, while Leclerc crashed out early in the race. Schumacher criticized the lack of team unity, suggesting that the aggressive racing between the two drivers at Ferrari's home race was embarrassing for the team.
Schumacher's remarks also raised concerns about the management of Ferrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, as reports indicate dissatisfaction with his handling of the drivers. The ongoing tensions between Hamilton and Leclerc have been evident throughout the season, with previous instances of conflict and a refusal to impose team orders, leading to further complications in their relationship and performance.
via f1oversteer.comAndrea Stella confirms McLaren ‘investigation’ after Oscar Piastri proved MCL40 issue at MonzaAndrea Stella, the team principal of McLaren, announced that the team will investigate issues with their MCL40 car, particularly highlighted by Oscar Piastri's performance at the Italian Grand Prix. Piastri's braking difficulties during qualifying exposed flaws that McLaren had previously identified and planned to address with new brakes at the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
McLaren is focusing on improving the car's performance, especially in slow corners, as they prepare for the Azerbaijan race. The team aims to resolve the braking issues and enhance the car's overall efficiency before the final races of the 2026 F1 season.
via f1oversteer.comF1TV interviewer noticed one significant change in Oscar Piastri at the Italian Grand PrixOscar Piastri experienced a notable shift in performance during the Italian Grand Prix, finishing fifth despite a three-place grid penalty for impeding another driver. He engaged in a competitive battle with his teammate Lando Norris, ultimately expressing satisfaction with his race, which marked a potential turning point in his season after struggling with the new regulations in 2026.
Throughout the season, Piastri has faced challenges with race pace and battery management, contrasting with Norris's success. However, following the Italian Grand Prix, he felt he was finally able to drive the McLaren MCL40 as he intended, suggesting a positive development in his confidence and performance on track.
via f1oversteer.comMartin Brundle saw Lando Norris get an underhand advantage to beat Oscar Piastri at MonzaMartin Brundle feels Lando Norris gained a sly advantage as his battle versus McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri got “personal” during the 2026 F1 Italian Grand ...
via PlanetF1Oscar Piastri on new ‘trajectory’ after driving style ‘adaptations’Oscar Piastri had been in podium contention at Monza, but slipped behind Lando Norris before the flag.
via Motorsport.comMcLaren to Assess Driver Conduct After Norris-Piastri IncidentFollowing a clash between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at the Italian Grand Prix, McLaren has announced plans to review the racing dynamics between its drivers. Norris accused Piastri of forcing him off-track during the race, prompting the team's decision to evaluate their rules of engagement.Page 5 of 11