P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Oscar Piastri explains to The Race how he really gets on with McLaren’s tricky 2025 F1 car, and why he’s been resisting taking the upgrade that’s helped Lando Norris
Oscar Piastri has a relatively straightforward relationship with McLaren’s 2025 Formula 1 car compared to his teammate Lando Norris, as he has avoided grand acts of self-criticism in times of struggle and has not adopted certain tweaks like Norris has. Although both drivers acknowledge the car’s speed, Piastri is not entirely comfortable with it, recognizing its tricky nature since early testing sessions. Despite the car’s unpredictability, Piastri has managed a consistent season at the front, not succumbing to major qualifying disasters but still facing challenges with car extremities. He acknowledges certain setup and balance issues but highlights the team’s efforts in addressing and rectifying them throughout the season, ultimately leading to improved predictability and performance. Piastri’s own improvement and adaptability have played a significant role in his success this year, with multiple poles and podium finishes showcasing his prowess on track. Although he may approach driving the car differently from Norris, Piastri maintains that the MCL39’s behavior is not drastically different from the previous year’s car, aside from its exceptional speed and occasional unpredictability at the limit.
