Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Oscar Piastri says he is feeling increasingly “optimistic” about McLaren’s prospects after completing pre-season testing in Bahrain ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 campaign.
The Australian shared driving duties of the MCL40 with team-mate Lando Norris over two weeks of running in Bahrain, building on the data gathered during the Barcelona shakedown. The car has been developed under a fresh set of technical regulations, marking the beginning of a new chassis and power unit era.
Piastri described the pre-season programme as productive, despite encountering expected development challenges associated with a major regulatory reset.
“We’re probably getting a little bit more optimistic,” Piastri said.
“The testing has gone smoothly for us. We’ve been able to get a lot of laps in, learn a lot of things, both good and bad. We’ve got some good ideas and good directions.”
“Especially with such a big change in the rules, you’re going to find a lot of bad things alongside the good things. Finding out anything you can before round one is always important.”
McLaren enters 2026 aiming to defend its double championship success from last season, yet remains cautious about the competitive uncertainty introduced by the regulations overhaul.
Piastri acknowledged that while progress has been encouraging, McLaren does not currently view itself as the benchmark team heading into Melbourne.
“I feel like we’re making good progress,” he added.
“I wouldn’t say we’re leading the pack by any stretch of the imagination — but I feel like we’re not too bad.”
With substantial mileage completed and development directions identified, McLaren now shifts focus toward refining its package ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
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