Oscar Piastri is increasingly frustrated by persistent questions about McLaren's 'new' front suspension setup. He emphasizes it's not a simple upgrade but an alternative solution with specific trade-offs, a nuance often misunderstood.
Why it matters:
F1 components offer alternative solutions, not always direct performance gains, and come with trade-offs. This complex reality is often oversimplified in media.
The details:
- Not an upgrade: Piastri clarified, "It's not an upgrade, it's just a different part... It's supposed to help in some ways, but it makes certain things worse." He's prioritizing understanding other, actual upgrades.
- Norris's choice: Lando Norris adopted this alternative suspension from the Canadian Grand Prix. Norris, who typically brakes later and carries more speed into corners, needed a more precise front-end feel, which he lacked early in the season.
- Technical trade-offs: The alternative setup involves a thicker upper wishbone, leading to a higher Steering Angle Inclination (SAI).
- Norris's benefit: Higher SAI provides a clearer steering feel and stronger self-centering, addressing Norris's need for better car communication.
- Piastri's concern: Higher SAI can make steering heavier, increase positive camber (impacting grip and tire wear), and alter responsiveness to bumps.
- Driver preference: Norris accepts these compromises for the improved feel. Piastri, however, finds the negatives outweigh the positives for his driving style. He stated, "If it was as simple as being a benefit, then I would put it on and not ask any questions."