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Oscar Piastri's struggles linked to driving style and new F1 regulations

Motorsport.com • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 19, 2026, 12:00 AM

Last updated Jul 19, 2026

Oscar Piastri's struggles linked to driving style and new F1 regulations

Summary

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has indicated that Oscar Piastri is facing difficulties adapting to the new Formula 1 cars for 2026 due to his driving style. Piastri, who was a title contender only months ago, is now finding the smaller, nimbler cars challenging, particularly with the focus on energy management involved in their operation. This change in machinery has affected performance expectations and strategy within the team. As Piastri seeks to adjust his approach, it remains to be seen how he will adapt moving forward in the season.

Source Links

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Key Details

•Andrea Stella cites driving style issues for Piastri's performance.
•Piastri was a title contender last season.
•F1 has implemented new smaller cars for 2026.
•Energy management is now key in car operation.
•Piastri is adjusting his approach as the season progresses.

Latest Updates

12:00 AMMotorsport.com — Oscar Piastri has been “too clean” for 2026 F1 cars – Andrea Stella
12:00 AMYahoo Sports — Oscar Piastri has been “too clean” for 2026 F1 cars – Andrea Stella

What they're saying

"
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has attributed Oscar Piastri’s current struggles to a driving style that’s incompatible with Formula 1’s new-for-2026 machinery. It may seem remote, but just seventh months ago, Piastri was a contender for the world title in the Abu Dhabi finale. But F1 has since switched to smaller, nimbler cars with energy management now a key factor to achieve ...Keep reading
— Motorsport.com