McLaren
Piastri tops FP2 as McLaren challenges Mercedes at Japanese GP
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Oscar Piastri set the fastest time of 1:30.133 in second practice for the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, beating Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli by 0.092 seconds on soft tires. George Russell was third for the constructors' leaders, with McLaren teammate Lando Norris fourth.
McLaren boss Andrea Stella says battery faults that caused both cars to miss the Chinese Grand Prix have been addressed by Mercedes HPP, expressing full confidence they won't recur at Suzuka.
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McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri missed the start of the Chinese Grand Prix due to separate battery problems supplied by Mercedes HPP. Norris' unit suffered a software fault rendering it unusable, while Piastri encountered a hardware issue with a connecting component. The team has removed Norris' battery from use, potentially impacting his season allocations.
As Formula 1 approaches the 2026 season with new regulations, McLaren driver Oscar Piastri emerges as a strong contender for his first world championship. Reporters at Motorsport.com evaluate his prospects, highlighting his 2025 achievements and areas for improvement. Piastri, who finished third in the drivers' standings with seven wins, aims to maintain consistency throughout the 24-race campaign.
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Red Bull impressed during the 2026 Formula 1 pre-season tests in Bahrain, with strong reliability and competitive pace for its new RB22 car. Jos Verstappen described the early signs as promising, particularly the in-house power unit. Meanwhile, McLaren faced a minor chassis issue that delayed Lando Norris's running.
McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are adapting their preparations for Formula 1's major 2026 regulation changes, focusing on an increased workload in the cockpit. They emphasize more time in the simulator to handle new controls and energy management systems. The updates include a balanced power unit and active aerodynamics replacing DRS.
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McLaren unveiled its 2026 Formula 1 livery on February 9, retaining much of its signature papaya and black design with minimal changes from 2025. Fans expressed divided opinions, with some appreciating the continuity and others disappointed by the lack of innovation. Team CEO Zak Brown defended the choice, emphasizing the success of the current look.
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February 09, 2026 07:06McLaren unveils papaya livery for 2026 F1 challenger