Oscar Piastri states that McLaren’s Formula 1 car must be aggressively driven to find its speed, describing a machine that severely penalizes drivers who drop below the limit. As reported by Motorsport.com, the Australian racer is currently navigating a more challenging campaign compared to his title fight last year.
Extracting Pace From the MCL40
Speaking to media representatives in Brazil, Piastri discussed the specific driving style required for the MCL40 on every single lap. He noted that the vehicle demands a forceful approach and does not naturally execute what the driver desires. According to Piastri, finding speed and forcing the car to behave requires driving it at 100 percent, or what feels like 110 percent.
Piastri expressed belief in the vehicle’s underlying potential, stating it can win races when properly sorted out, but emphasized that locating the edge of its performance envelope is exceptionally difficult. Contrasting this year’s machinery with the previous year’s championship-winning car, he pointed out that last season’s vehicle allowed for easier driving while maintaining similar speed, whereas the current model causes drivers to lose substantial lap time the moment they back off from the absolute limit.
Development Pace and Standings
Addressing McLaren’s competitive development, Piastri acknowledged that the team has lost its developmental advantage. While evaluating the squad’s rate of progress as fairly reasonable, he identified Red Bull as the primary benchmark for the current season, noting that returning to that benchmark remains a key team objective.
When questioned about his enjoyment behind the wheel, Piastri admitted that the season has brought fewer moments of satisfaction than previous years, though he still experienced notable highlights alongside the low points. With three events left on the calendar, Piastri holds seventh place in the drivers’ championship with 152 points, while McLaren sits fourth in the constructors’ standings with 398 points, following Mercedes and Kimi Antonelli securing both world titles.
