F1 2026: Norris and Piastri’s first impressions

Departure below expectations While waiting to return to the track for the Miami Grand Prix, McLaren carried out two days of Pirelli testing at the Nürburgring with both its drivers, who had the opportunity to reflect on the first three races of this season. The first to comment on this start was Lando Norris, reigning world champion but who seemed to be in obvious difficulty, with two races finished in 5th place as well as not participating in the Chinese GP: “It wasn’t the start to the season we were hoping for and we’ve had some difficult weekends so far – commented the Englishman to the team’s official microphones – coming at the start of the year as reigning champions both as a team and as a driver, the expectations we set for ourselves were high. We want to conquer pole positions, win races and be in the lead in both the championships, but that’s not the situation. We certainly have to work to get back to fighting for victories and, even then, we have to continue to work hard to make sure we have a car capable of winning every single weekend. We also had some problems that certainly didn’t help the development of these cars. Even very small details make a big difference Add to that the fact that we didn’t start at the Chinese Grand Prix and that we didn’t have enough track time during free practice in Japan, it’s easy to see where we are lacking. However, we are using this gap between Japan and Miami to do what we can to fill these gaps in our understanding. We are spending a lot of time in the simulator and are back behind the wheel for a tire test at the Nürburgring. A difficulty that Oscar Piastri also analysed, arriving in 2nd place in Japan but after two races, in Australia and China, in which he did not take part for different reasons: “I think it’s fair to say that the start of the season was more complicated than we wanted. Coming into this year as World Champions, we had made it clear that there would be a reset for the entire grid, but we would be lying if we said that we didn’t hope to be closer to the leading positions. Adapting to this new generation of cars was challenging, as expected, and we saw how important track time is to this end. Not having started in the first two races meant we lost significant and essential learning time, which is frustrating. We were good at making the most of these weekends, which contributed to the strong performance in Japan, which was one of my best weekends. It showed that when we start well, we are really competitive! we have to do if we want to be in the lead, but I know that this team has the ability to grow over the course of the year and I can’t wait to see what we can do when we get back racing.” 2025 and 2026 cars: the biggest differences 2026 therefore started off uphill for the Woking team, all with the drivers behind the wheel of single-seaters that respond to the new, criticized technical regulations. Diversity and greater difficulties compared to the 2025 cars confirmed first and foremost by Norris: “These cars are certainly very different from those of last year, and the differences are quite complex – he added in the interview – some I like, others I found a little more difficult to manage so far. Last year we had a huge aerodynamic load, the cars really ran on the tracks and when we set them up they reached a speed that seemed infinite. However, when you lost grip, it was over: you lost time, at best, or you’d end up in the gravel. This could be quite frustrating, because you didn’t feel like you could make a difference as a driver, you needed the car underneath you and you had to make sure you stayed within the limits of the car. This year the cars have much less downforce and are much more at the limit. It’s easier to control the skids, and the slightly less grip makes them very exciting to drive. and I say this as a great compliment, you really feel like you can make a difference. I’ve already said that it’s not the car that gives me problems, but the part behind it that I don’t like as much: the regulations on the power unit. In Japan I happened to have the battery deactivation system activated, even though I didn’t want it, and as a result I had to overtake Lewis. This made me an easy target on the next straight, where I actually would have liked to use the battery, which means taking too much control away from the driver. but I know that the FIA and all the stakeholders of the sport are looking into the matter: there has been a good dialogue with the FIA on this matter, so I am confident that a solution will be found for when we return to racing in Miami. An important point, however, is that we are happy that the fans enjoy the racing, because at the end of the day we are an entertainment sport. The fans want to see us on the track fighting with each other and pushing the grip to the limit. We must avoid, as much as possible, artificial elements in racing, but not we are so far from achieving this and having a truly exciting era of racing.” Assessments that resemble those of his Australian teammate: “Overall, these cars are very different from any other car I have ever driven. But we have known this ever since the new regulations were made known. This diversity represents a new challenge for us drivers, which is not necessarily a bad thing. One of the main differences compared to 2025 is that the cars are lighter, shorter and narrower. This means they can be a little more agile and more pleasant to drive in low-speed corners, but the problems associated in dirty air these advantages remain and partially neutralize, since following the opponents remains a problem. Furthermore, as a driver, there are many more aspects to consider on the track. This is just one of the many aspects that need to be analyzed and modified in the near future, as also highlighted by some episodes that have occurred so far this season I know we are working closely with the FIA, F1 and other teams to ensure these aspects are taken into consideration, in order to ensure safe, but also fun and exciting racing for everyone.”