Piastri Confident in McLaren's Equal Opportunity Approach

As the 2026 Formula 1 season rapidly approaches, McLaren's young gun Oscar Piastri is eager to put the "headaches" of the team's controversial papaya-colored rules behind them. The Australian driver has firmly backed McLaren's finetuned strategy of granting him and teammate Lando Norris equal opportunities on the track.

Speaking at the recent Autosport Awards, Piastri reaffirmed the squad's unwavering dedication to its fair-play policy, though he acknowledged that some adjustments may be necessary moving forward. "We've worked hard to get the balance right, and I'm confident that by 2026, we'll have it dialed in perfectly," Piastri said. "The last thing we want is to be causing ourselves any unnecessary problems that could distract us from our main goal – fighting for championships."

McLaren team boss Andrea Stella echoed Piastri's sentiments, stating that the equal driver policy remains a top priority. "We've learned some valuable lessons over the past few years, and we're committed to applying those insights to ensure a seamless and productive partnership between Oscar and Lando," Stella explained. "Our drivers are the heart of this team, and we'll do whatever it takes to put them in the best possible position to succeed."

As the team looks ahead to the 2026 campaign, Piastri is eager to put the controversies of the past behind him and focus on unlocking the full potential of the McLaren package. "I'm excited to get back on track and show what this team can do when we're all pulling in the same direction," he said. "With Lando and I working together, I truly believe the future is bright for McLaren."