Oscar Piastri completed just 48 laps on the MCL40 due to a fuel system problem. The Australian seemed enthusiastic about the prospect of driving cars that will present many new challenges: “I believe there are many areas where we can make a difference, and these are areas we haven’t tackled in our careers, so we need to be ready to learn.”
Fourth fastest and 48 laps completed. That may seem like a modest achievement for Oscar Piastri on his second day in the MCL40, but considering the mileage other teams are covering at the Circuit de Catalunya, completing less than a full Grand Prix distance over eight hours of testing indicates an unexpected issue. Piastri’s first run of the season was cut short by a problem with McLaren’s fuel system.
“It was great to be back on track and especially in a new car,” Oscar Piastri commented, “but unfortunately today we had some fuel system issues that shortened our day a bit. I know the team is working to fix it for tomorrow, where we’ll aim to cover as many laps as possible.”
Oscar Piastri confirmed that the main goal of these tests is precisely to identify potential teething problems, while also providing a valuable opportunity to start building familiarity with the new car. “The priority is to identify and solve any ‘bugs.’ These are the first steps with completely new cars and power units, very different from what we’ve had in previous years. We’ve already spotted some areas to improve in order to make the car a little more enjoyable.”
Oscar’s comments reflect those of many other drivers: the 2026 season will be full of challenges for anyone driving this new generation of cars, many of which are completely new experiences. “I believe there are many areas where you can make a difference, and it’s exciting to know a tough challenge awaits. I’m aware I’ll have to work hard, but everyone will. Some aspects of these cars are things we’ve never faced in our careers, so we have to be ready to learn.”
In the short term, Oscar Piastri’s focus will be on understanding the new car, a process that will start tomorrow and continue in earnest during the Sakhir tests. “We’re facing such a major change that we need to familiarize ourselves with many things we used to take for granted. The car obviously has less downforce, so we’ll need to adapt to new sensations as quickly as possible, and this year using the power unit will also be different.”
For Oscar, this represents his first regulatory ‘reset’ since joining Formula 1. “It will be interesting to see where we stand as a team. Regarding my role, last year I proved to myself what I’m capable of. There are still areas I need to improve on, but I feel I’ve made a good step forward, and I can apply these lessons to any future regulations, so I can’t wait to get started.”
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