Oscar Piastri arrived at Spa this week not only protecting his points advantage but also defending McLaren’s choice to implement a less conventional front suspension setup, a move subtly reshaping the championship battle. The Australian driver described the modification as an “Oscar Piastri McLaren minor change” amid ongoing debates about its impact.
McLaren introduced an alternative front suspension layout back in Canada, modifying upright mounting points to enhance steering precision, a solution initially aimed to alleviate Lando Norris’ struggles with front-end feel early in the season. While Norris adapted quickly and subsequently secured two victories, Piastri has yet to claim a win since the change was made.
Despite these contrasting results, Piastri emphasized the nature of the alteration:
“It’s not an update. It’s just a different component. I tested it on the simulator. We’ve more updates coming. I want to have the clearest possible picture of the situation. It’s a minor change.”
Though termed “minor” by Piastri, the suspension adjustment has arguably influenced team dynamics significantly. Lando Norris triumphed at both Spielberg and Silverstone following the update, closing the gap to Piastri in the drivers’ standings from a comfortable margin to just eight points. Piastri explained the rationale behind hesitating to adopt this setup fully:
“There’re some things that make it worse. So, if it were simply a performance benefit, I’d add it without question, but that’s not the case,”
This nuanced balance has forced McLaren’s team principal Andrea Stella and technical department to accommodate two distinct car specifications, complicating logistics and data analysis within a tightly contested title race. Yet, McLaren has respected Piastri’s choice, valuing an accurate understanding over simplistic gains.
Challenges Await at Spa Francorchamps as Weather Adds Uncertainty
Spa Francorchamps has historically been a circuit of unpredictability, with McLaren unable to secure a victory here since 2012, and Piastri still chasing his first win at this iconic track. The Belgian Grand Prix weekend introduces the Sprint race format once again, increasing competitive stakes with more points available and less time to perfect car setups.
Forecasts suggesting a 60% chance of rain raise the stakes even higher, with wet conditions potentially impacting the main race itself. Piastri has shown less confidence in mixed and wet conditions this season, including a ninth-place finish in a rainy Melbourne, contrasting with a strong runner-up performance behind Norris at Silverstone.
Tire choice could also present an additional challenge, as Pirelli has supplied a non-consecutive set of compounds for the first time since 2022, including the C1 hard tire newly introduced for 2025, alongside the usual C3 medium and C4 soft tires.
Nonetheless, McLaren enters Spa with optimism after their dominant one-two finish at Silverstone, where both drivers outpaced Max Verstappen despite not starting from pole. Their adaptability and pace throughout the season suggest the team could handle the changing conditions and shifting dynamics at Spa effectively.
Implications of the Suspension Decision on the Championship Battle
The choice between suspension setups extends beyond mere handling characteristics; it echoes through McLaren’s preparation and strategy in this exceptionally close championship fight. The team’s need to manage two different car configurations strains resources and complicates data gathering, but it allows both Norris and Piastri to compete on terms tailored to their preferences.
With Norris capitalizing on the altered suspension to close the points gap, the title race is more open than ever. Piastri’s insistence on accurate vehicle feedback over simple performance gains highlights skill and judgment under pressure, emphasizing that fine margins—sometimes called “minor changes”—can produce pivotal effects.
As the season progresses, McLaren faces the challenge of balancing these divergent technical philosophies while maintaining their competitive momentum. The upcoming rounds, starting at Spa with its unpredictable conditions and demanding layout, will test not only their pace but also how well they can unify their approach to maximize both drivers’ success in the title fight.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Oscar Piastri a nice person?
A. This seems to be the first instance where Oscar Piastri, usually very pleasant and calm, appeared upset after the race. His frustration is understandable. Some might describe his mood as ‘grumpy’ around here.
Q. Has Oscar Piastri ever won a race in F1?
A. Piastri kept his spot for 2024 and won his first race in Hungary. He became the fifth Australian to win a Formula One Grand Prix and achieved another victory in Azerbaijan.
Q. Is Oscar Piastri an introvert?
A. In a 2023 interview with this publication, Piastri referred to himself as someone who is introverted.
Q. Has Oscar Piastri ever won a race?
A. Piastri has claimed victory in seven Formula One Grands Prix over three seasons. Growing up in Melbourne, he first got involved in radio-controlled racing. He switched to karting when he was 10. In 2016, he advanced to junior formulae, winning his first title in the 2019 Formula Renault Eurocup with R-ace GP.