Piastri remains positive after shortened first run in 2026 McLaren

Oscar Piastri's first day testing McLaren's new 2026 car was cut short by a technical issue, but the Australian driver emphasized the value of the limited running as teams begin the critical process of adapting to Formula 1's new generation of radically different machinery.

Why it matters:

The first shakedown runs with the 2026-spec cars are a vital, if limited, opportunity for drivers and engineers to build an initial understanding of the new aerodynamic and power unit regulations. Any lost track time is a setback, but establishing baseline references and driver feel is the primary goal before more extensive pre-season testing begins.

The details:

• Piastri completed 48 laps in the morning session at Barcelona before a fuel system issue was identified, prompting McLaren to end its day early to investigate.
• Despite the curtailed program, Piastri stated the running provided crucial "reference points" for understanding the new car's behavior, energy management, and the interaction with its complex power unit.
• McLaren's Technical Director of Performance, Mark Temple, confirmed the team had gained a "good understanding of where the car is from a baseline point of view," fulfilling a key shakedown objective.
• On the unofficial timesheets, Piastri finished the day fourth, 1.974 seconds behind Mercedes' George Russell, though outright lap time is considered largely irrelevant at this stage.

What's next:

The focus for McLaren is on resolving the fuel system problem overnight to maximize running on the final day of the Barcelona shakedown.

• Piastri is expected to share driving duties with teammate Lando Norris on Friday.
• The team will continue its program of acclimatizing the drivers to the new car and refining its initial setup direction before the official pre-season test.