[Saba Sports News] McLaren driver Oscar Piastri has recently stated that he hopes the 2026 Formula 1 cars will become more controllable. Currently, teams, the FIA, and series organizers are discussing the real-world effects of the new regulations, assessing whether mid-season adjustments will be necessary.
The 2026 season marks the first time in F1 history that both the chassis and power unit have undergone a full overhaul, with the new cars featuring a significantly different design philosophy compared to previous generations. Piastri believes that such a radical change is not necessarily a bad thing, as it presents new challenges for drivers, yet it has also brought new issues to light. He pointed out that the new-generation cars are lighter overall, shorter and narrower, offering greater agility in low-speed corners and improved handling feel. However, these advantages have been partly offset in actual racing, as the impact of dirty air remains, making it difficult for cars to follow closely behind one another — a long-standing problem that has not been fundamentally resolved. Even more concerning for drivers is the inconsistent power delivery. Piastri mentioned that the cars can experience sudden bursts of power in certain situations, leading to unpredictable vehicle behavior. These abrupt power changes increase the difficulty of driving and have also affected the safety and controllability of racing to a certain extent.
In my opinion, Piastri’s views are highly professional and grounded in real-world experience. They not only reflect the drivers’ direct feedback on car characteristics but also highlight the tensions between safety and drivability amid F1’s 2026 technical revolution.