P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Oscar Piastri believes there are no ‘alien’ fears with the new generation of F1 car.
Oscar Piastri has reassured that new F1 cars are not as “alien” as initially feared by drivers, following pre-season testing. The 2026 cars introduce the largest technical change in F1 history, with new power units featuring a 50-50 split between the internal combustion engine and an enhanced battery system, along with significant changes to the chassis. Despite being smaller and narrower, the new cars also incorporate active aerodynamics, requiring drivers to adapt their driving styles and techniques due to reduced downforce compared to previous seasons. Piastri noted that while the new cars may look different and have distinct features, they still handle like traditional F1 cars and retain familiar behaviors. The Australian driver emphasized that although there are noticeable differences, the challenges presented by the new cars are not as daunting as anticipated by the drivers and the F1 community as a whole.
