Oscar Piastri after Bahrain: "I wouldn't go so far as to say we're leading the pack."

McLaren begins this 2026 campaign crowned by its double victory in the Drivers' and Constructors' championships last season. However, the change in regulations implemented by the F1 has reshuffled the cards. Over the course of the pre-season tests held between Barcelona and Bahrain, an initial hierarchy has emerged, and the Woking team does not currently occupy the leading position.

Si Oscar piastri Having recorded the third fastest time in the second round of tests in the Kingdom of the Two Seas, he displays cautious optimism. I think we are more confident. The tests went well on our end. the Australian confided ahead of the start of the F1 season. We've gathered a lot of information, both positive and negative. We have good ideas, we know which direction we want to go in. "With 5,777 km on the odometer since the end of January, McLaren has indeed been able to validate the reliability of its chassis and power unit." Mercedes Benz.

In the rhythm of Classic Ferrari for sale And while Mercedes are considered the benchmark this winter, the Papayas must nevertheless be innovative if they hope to defend their titles. With such a significant change in the rules, we're bound to try a lot of things, and not all of them will be good ideas. We need to try as many elements as possible. I think we're making good progress, but I wouldn't go so far as to say we're leading the pack. declares Oscar Piastri. But we're doing well »

We will now have to wait until Melbourne (Australia), the venue for the season opener, to know McLaren's true position in the pecking order. For Oscar Piastri, the stakes are twofold, as the #81 needs to step out of the shadow of his teammate. Lando NorrisCrowned champion in 2025, the Briton ended up depriving the Australian of a title that seemed destined for him for much of the year.

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