Oscar Piastri Laments McLaren MCL39’s ‘Behavior’ After Frustrating US Grand Prix Weekend

Oscar Piastri endured a challenging Saturday at the United States Grand Prix, culminating in a P6 grid slot for the main race. Following a multi-car collision with Nico Hulkenberg and teammate Lando Norris in the Sprint, Piastri now faces an uphill battle to regain momentum in the Drivers’ Championship. He attributed his struggles to a familiar "behavior" from the McLaren MCL39 that resurfaced in Austin.

Why it matters:

Piastri’s struggles in Austin, especially in contrast to his championship rival Lando Norris, could be a pivotal moment in the F1 2025 season. As the Drivers' Championship battle intensifies, any drop in performance or consistency from a leading contender can have significant implications for the overall standings.

The Details:

• Sprint Race Incident: Piastri's Sprint race ended prematurely after a Turn 1 collision with Hulkenberg, which then involved Norris, forcing both McLarens out. This incident cost Piastri crucial points, with Max Verstappen extending his lead in the championship.
• Qualifying Performance: Piastri qualified sixth for the Grand Prix, nearly three-tenths slower than Norris, who secured a front-row start. Despite post-Sprint repairs, Piastri stated the car felt "normal" and that his performance wasn't affected by the crash.
• MCL39's 'Behavior': Piastri highlighted a recurring "kind of behavior" from the MCL39 that he's experienced "a couple of times through the season," suggesting an underlying car characteristic rather than a one-off issue from the Sprint repairs.
• Weekend Struggles: He admitted that things have "just not clicked" for him in Austin, noting a lack of comfort with the car. Piastri emphasized that it wasn't due to overdriving but rather an unsettled feeling behind the wheel.

Between the lines:

Piastri’s comments suggest a deeper challenge with the MCL39's characteristics that occasionally hinder his performance. While he dismissed the idea of a significant shift in momentum favoring Norris since Singapore, his struggles in Austin are undeniable. This highlights the delicate balance teams and drivers must strike in understanding and adapting to their machinery, especially when minor behavioral quirks can have major impacts on a tight championship battle.

What's next:

Starting from P6, Piastri will need a strategic and aggressive approach to the Grand Prix. His focus will be on capitalizing on opportunities and managing risks to climb through the field. How he handles the start and manages the race pace will be critical in minimizing championship damage and regaining confidence. The team will undoubtedly be analyzing the data to understand the McLaren MCL39's "behavior" and ensure consistent performance across both cars in future races.