P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Oscar Piastri believes F1 has a “recipe for disaster” if overtakes are not properly addressed ahead of the season opener in Melbourne.
Oscar Piastri expressed concerns about Formula 1 facing a potential disaster if issues with race starts and overtaking are not addressed prior to the season opener in Melbourne. Following the testing week in Bahrain, various drivers had differing opinions on the new 2026 challengers, with Max Verstappen comparing the cars to “Formula E on steroids” and Lando Norris finding them enjoyable to drive. Piastri offered a more nuanced view, noting significant differences in the cars’ performance compared to previous years, particularly in high-speed downforce. Despite the challenges posed by the new hybrid era cars, Piastri and McLaren focused on adapting and optimizing their skills for the upcoming season. The Australian driver highlighted concerns over race start procedures and emphasized the need for clear communication among drivers and teams to avoid issues on the track. Overall, Piastri acknowledged the familiar faces at the top of the field but remained uncertain about McLaren’s exact position within the competitive order heading into the new season.
