Oscar Piastri gave an idea of how Formula 1 drivers in 2026 are having to re-learn how to drive due to the characteristics of the new cars.

The 2026 F1 cars have new power units with a 50-50 power split between internal combustion and electricity which means drivers have to throw away all the skills they have been applying so far and learn to drive way below the limit of what they are capable of in order to manage the energy in their batteries.

Piastri, during a Pirelli test session at the Nurburgring, spoke to McLaren's official website about the new F1 cars.

"Yes, this has been the case," he responded when asked whether he had to adapt. "I think this is the same for every driver on the grid, though, and with anything, the more time we spend driving, the more we start to tweak our pre-learned instincts.

"However, these cars are fundamentally so different to anything we’ve driven before in F1 or on the F1 ladder, so you are having to re-learn so many techniques to be able to maximize what you can.

"One of the biggest changes is the focus on battery deployment," Piastri pointed out. "Things like lifting on the straights to harvest energy and then the power we have on the corner exits are all new things.

"This battery side also feeds into Qualifying, where it’s no longer a case of just grip; it’s much more tactical around energy management."

Piastri also pointed out new chassis characteristics that require a new driving style. He added: "Without the ground effect downforce that the 2025 cars had, the cars can feel looser, making them more prone to sliding, which also impacts tyres—something I’ve had to adapt my style to become more comfortable with.

"The nature of racing is different and something that has to be taken into consideration when looking at how you overtake.

"There is a lot more focus on battery deployment, so it comes back to this idea of a chess game, which you can see from some of the battles on track," the Australian concluded.