Oscar Piastri Remains Calm and Criticizes “Exaggeration” Surrounding New Regulations
Within the Formula 1 paddock, many insiders are debating the true impact of the new front wing flexibility regulations, which officially come into effect this weekend at the Barcelona Grand Prix. For months, Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, has predicted that these changes could significantly shift the balance of power, potentially favoring McLaren’s performance this season.
When questioned about these modifications during the Spanish race, Oscar Piastri responded with unwavering confidence, aligning with his team’s stance. He pointed out that the updated front wing, designed to meet the new flexibility standards, has already been tested earlier this season by teammate Lando Norris.
“I believe the main issue is probably the overblown reactions it’s been receiving. We understand what’s different now. Everyone will need to adapt, at least to some extent. I haven’t personally driven with the new front wing, but Lando has already used it this year,” Piastri explained.
“I’m not worried at all. Perhaps it will influence how teams perform, and it will be interesting to see how it impacts the overall competitiveness-possibly across all teams-but it’s unlikely to cause a complete overhaul. It might just give certain teams a slight edge.”
The most noticeable change to the McLaren MCL39’s front wing is the addition of a second support between the upper elements of the winglets, a modification that has been observed in recent Imola testing sessions, indicating a possible new configuration in response to the regulation updates.
Despite the fierce rivalry in the championship standings, Piastri and Norris have publicly emphasized their commitment to maintaining a professional and cooperative relationship. They aim to avoid conflicts that could create tension within the team, as Piastri elaborates.
“It’s impossible to pursue personal goals without considering the team’s overall strategy. Last year, we felt that if we started this season with a car as competitive as the one we finished with, we’d be in a strong position,” he said.
“We’ve been very transparent about our intentions and open in our discussions. However, we will never do anything unsportsmanlike or that could harm the team’s reputation or ours. Lando and I are committed to that principle.”
He also acknowledged the risk of crossing boundaries, emphasizing the importance of discipline in racing conduct: “Of course, we want to compete every weekend, but we won’t cross the line that could cause irreparable damage. I’ve made that clear multiple times-we’re not here to take unnecessary risks.”
“Both of us see McLaren as a long-term home, and we aim to fight for the championship year after year. We understand that trying to win at all costs without regard for the team’s stability isn’t a wise strategy.”
Reflecting on the season’s progress, the team leader expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance so far. He praised their resilience when facing setbacks and highlighted the importance of learning from challenges.
“It’s been a very strong first third of the season, and it’s hard to find many faults. The results have been promising, and overall, I’m pleased with our progress,” he stated.
“We’ve had some excellent race weekends, with minor issues here and there, but nothing that can’t be addressed. I’m optimistic about continuing this momentum.”
“The most difficult races so far were some of the toughest, but understanding the reasons behind those struggles is key. We know setbacks are part of racing, and as long as we learn from them, we’re moving in the right direction.”
Mixed Reactions to FIA’s New Wing Regulations
