Piastri hails 'seriously impressive' speed as McLaren's MCL40 era begins

Speaking at the MCL40 launch event in Bahrain, Piastri reflected on the Barcelona shakedown week, where, despite some minor issues, McLaren were able to complete three days of running.

"It was good to get back out on track and experience, just how different these cars are going to be from various different angles," Piastri said.

"But at the end of the day, it's still a Formula One car, it's quick, and especially in a straight line nowadays, the acceleration with these new engines is seriously impressive, so it's going to be fun to get back out again in Bahrain and get stuck into it properly in Melbourne."

World champion Norris also reflected on the performance of the blacked-out MCL40 he drove during the Barcelona shakedown, comparing the new challenger to F1 cars of the past.

"It certainly feels different to all the ones that I've raced," Norris said.

Piastri will be desperate to make amends for his dip in form in 2025, having led the championship for most of the season before losing a 33-point lead to teammate, and eventual champion Norris, and finished the campaign behind Max Verstappen, who was in P2.

Nonetheless, the McLaren driver says he is looking forward to racing the nimbler, but complicated 2026 cars, as he sets his sights on a first world title.

He said: "I think generally the tighter, slower speed circuits will be a bit better on these cars. Obviously, as we've said, a bit smaller, a bit narrower, a little bit lighter as well, so places like Monaco, Singapore, hopefully they're a little bit more friendly for these cars.

"The high-speed circuits are going to be quite different, because that's where the previous generations of cars were so impressive, but I think generally the smaller circuits hopefully will be a little bit more, not that they weren't fun before, but I think they'll suit these smaller cars a little bit better."