UPDATE: Oscar Piastri, the promising McLaren driver, has raised urgent safety concerns regarding the upcoming Australian Grand Prix, set to kick off in just three weeks. Following an intense pre-season testing day in Bahrain, where he logged an impressive 161 laps, Piastri described the current state of F1 as a “recipe for disaster” due to the untested “low downforce” cars jostling for position at the start.
Piastri expressed his worries after finishing fourth quickest behind a dominant Mercedes 1-2 led by Kimi Antonelli. “Starts need to be addressed because it’s complicated to have a safe start, let alone a competitive one,” he stated, emphasizing the need for clarity on the new regulations before the season opener in Melbourne on March 5, 2024.
The driver highlighted potential issues with overtaking and the chaotic dynamics expected with a pack of 22 cars racing with significantly reduced downforce. “I’m not sure any of us know exactly what we need yet,” he remarked, stressing the importance of addressing these safety concerns on track.
Additionally, four-time world champion Max Verstappen criticized the new F1 regulations, claiming the 2026 cars could push him out of the sport due to their “anti-racing” nature. Verstappen, who described the vehicles as feeling more like “Formula E on steroids,” argued that the drivers will face new challenges in managing power deployment, affecting the overall driving experience.
Piastri’s comments come after a chaotic practice start in Bahrain, where miscommunication led to confusion among drivers. “I got told to wait until whoever was in front of me had gone,” he explained, clarifying that the issue was not related to the new engine regulations.
As teams prepare for the Australian GP, McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari appear to maintain their positions as the top contenders. Piastri remains uncertain about McLaren’s exact standing but acknowledged that the top four teams are likely still in the mix.
With the clock ticking down to the Australian Grand Prix, all eyes will be on how teams adapt to the new regulations and whether safety concerns can be effectively addressed. Fans and stakeholders are urged to stay tuned for further updates as the season approaches.
