Oscar Piastri Reflects on "Intense" 2024, Anticipates Driver Impact in 2026
After a successful 2024 season, Oscar Piastri believes the upcoming 2026 regulation changes will increase driver responsibility and create new opportunities to make a difference on track.
Reflecting on his "intense" 2024 campaign, Oscar Piastri expressed immense pride in helping McLaren secure the constructors' championship while finishing third in the drivers' standings. The Australian driver, speaking at the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, is now turning his attention to the significant 2026 regulation changes. He believes the new rules, particularly the hybrid-focused power units, will place a greater emphasis on driver skill and management, creating new opportunities to stand out.
Why it matters:
Piastri's comments offer a glimpse into the mindset of a top-tier driver from the newly crowned championship-winning team. His optimism about the increased role of the driver in 2026 is significant, as it suggests a potential shift in what separates the good from the great. For a team like McLaren, which has excelled with a strong driver pairing, maximizing these new driver-influenced variables could be key to maintaining their competitive edge in the next era of Formula 1.
The details:
- 2024 Reflection: Piastri described the 24-race season as "intense" but said he is "incredibly proud" of his and the team's achievements, acknowledging both the dominant car and the "hurdles" they faced later in the year.
- 2026 Power Unit Shift: He highlighted that the biggest change will be the power units, which will feature significantly more electrical power and less reliance on the combustion engine.
- New Driver Responsibilities: This shift will require drivers to actively manage battery deployment in ways they've never had to before, introducing complex new strategic elements during a race.
- An Opportunity for Difference: Piastri views this as an exciting opportunity, stating, "there's gonna be a lot of points where you can make a difference as a driver," which he believes will be engaging for fans.
What's next:
With the 2026 regulations on the horizon, the entire grid is in a high-stakes development race. Piastri's confidence suggests McLaren is embracing the challenge rather than fearing it. The team that best adapts to the new power units and aerodynamic rules, while also empowering its drivers to exploit the new variables, will likely be the one celebrating at the start of the new era. For Piastri and McLaren, the goal is clear: be the team that "nails it."