Formula One will introduce stricter front wing load tests starting from the Spanish Grand Prix on 1 June, in a move aimed at limiting flexing components. The change follows a similar clampdown on rear wings.
Red Bull principal Christian Horner suggested in Japan last week that the revision could impact team performance. “We have a big regulation change coming at race nine. How is that going to affect the run of play?” he told Sky Sports.
Piastri, however, was unfazed. Speaking ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, the Australian driver said he doubted the rule shift would disrupt McLaren’s current momentum.
“I’m pretty confident we’ll be strong all year,” said Piastri. “I don’t think it’ll change too much. I’ve not spoken to the team about it massively, in all honesty, which probably tells you enough about that.”
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With teammate Lando Norris leading the drivers’ championship by a point over Red Bull’s Max Verstappen after four rounds, McLaren also tops the constructors’ standings. Piastri, who won in China following Norris’ win in Australia, believes McLaren’s car philosophy remains sound.
“If I had to pick out of all 10 cars on the grid right now, I’d still pretty happily be choosing ours,” he added.
Piastri also cast doubt on the stability within Red Bull, where Verstappen is already on his second teammate of the season. Liam Lawson returned to Racing Bulls after a brief stint, with Yuki Tsunoda switching in the opposite direction.
“Clearly the car looks pretty difficult. We’ve seen that with Liam. We saw it with Checo last year, even with Yuki in Japan,” said Piastri. “Going into an environment that has been so focused on the way Max drives for nearly 10 years now – it would be a very tough environment to go into and have immediate success.”
He concluded, “I’m quite happy that I’m driving a McLaren and not a Red Bull at the moment.”