Oscar Piastri warns early 2026 F1 races could be unpredictable due to new regulations

Oscar Piastri believes the 2026 Formula 1 rules will change how drivers compete, with greater emphasis on battery management and new technology.

The upcoming season marks a new era in F1, featuring a 50:50 split between internal combustion and electric power, smaller and lighter cars, and the introduction of active aerodynamics to replace DRS, among other changes.

“I think it definitely will be different, yes,” Piastri told TODAY when asked about how the new rules could affect racing for viewers.

“I think in terms of how we race each other, it's going to be quite different. I think the hybrid element and managing the battery level is going to be a really important thing.

“I mean, it has been important in the past, but with that element being so much bigger from this season onwards, there's going to be a lot more management of that from the drivers ourselves.

“So, I think especially the beginning of the season, you could see some interesting scenarios between drivers where some are more tactical and saving their battery, some are just trying to get track position, and it could be an interesting kind of tactical battle there.

 

“In all honesty, I also have no idea how it's going to pan out, but I think it'll be entertaining one way or another.”

Piastri finished third in the 2025 drivers’ championship after a close fight with his McLaren teammate Lando Norris and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. While the new rules will reset the grid, Piastri hopes to carry lessons from last season into 2026.

“There's a lot of different ways you can take the 2025 season for me, but I think I learned a lot about myself both on and off the track. I feel like I really developed quite a lot as a person,” he said.

“I feel more mature. I feel more responsible. I know what I want a bit more now. And also just a sense of pride. Even though the end result wasn't exactly what I wanted, I think to have the amount of success that I had was something that I would have dreamed of at the start of the year.

“Obviously, there were a few moments I'd rather have again or rather not have, but I think on the whole, very proud of what I was able to achieve. Plenty of lessons learned, both good and bad, to take into the future.”