Oscar Piastri urges F1 to fix 'unpredictable' 2026 car power spikes

McLaren's Oscar Piastri has called for the 2026 Formula 1 cars to be made more predictable to drive, specifically highlighting concerning 'spikes of power' that cause unexpected behavior. His comments come as teams, the FIA, and Formula One Management (FOM) prepare for another round of talks to assess the early impact of the new regulations and potential mid-season tweaks.

Why it matters:

The 2026 season represents the first time in F1 history where both chassis and power unit regulations have changed simultaneously, creating a fundamentally different driving experience. If the cars are inherently unpredictable or difficult to follow closely, it could undermine the core goal of improving wheel-to-wheel racing and pose safety concerns, turning driver feedback into a critical component of the rule-making process.

The details:

• Piastri acknowledges the new, lighter, and more agile 2026 cars present a fresh challenge for drivers, which isn't inherently negative.
• The core issue remains dirty air and overtaking difficulty, which neutralizes the benefits of the cars' nimble handling in slow corners.
• The primary concern raised is unpredictable power delivery. Piastri notes drivers often experience sudden 'spikes of power' that make the cars do 'unexpected things,' demanding more tactical thought from behind the wheel.
• This unpredictability has been highlighted by several incidents across the early season, putting it on the agenda for urgent review by the sport's stakeholders.

What's next:

Constructive dialogue is underway, with another meeting scheduled between teams, the FIA, and FOM. Piastri's public remarks add to the growing driver chorus seeking refinements. The focus will be on finding technical solutions to smooth out power delivery and improve aerodynamic efficiency to allow closer racing, ensuring the 2026 rules deliver on their promise of safe and exciting competition.