Oscar Piastri harshly criticized the behavior of Formula 1 power units after the Belgian GP weekend. The McLaren driver stated that the way energy management systems influence performance is making qualifying sessions depend more on electronics than on the drivers.
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Spa-Francorchamps was already considered one of the biggest challenges on the calendar for energy management, due to the long straights and high-speed corners, which offer few opportunities to recover battery charge. At several points, drivers had to complete part of the lap using only the combustion engine, with significantly reduced power.
According to McLaren boss Andrea Stella, the 2026 power units have systems capable of “learning” during the lap to anticipate energy management. The executive explained, however, that this feature is extremely sensitive and that small variations in driving, as well as factors beyond the drivers’ control, such as changes in asphalt grip and wind direction, can significantly alter performance.
This behavior became evident in qualifying, when Piastri lost time to Lando Norris even with both using identical power unit settings. Stella also indicated that George Russell faced a similar situation by not being able to explain the loss of performance on the straights compared to Kimi Antonelli.
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Commenting on the matter, Piastri did not hide his irritation. “It’s horrible. Honestly, I can’t say it any other way.”
The Australian emphasized that the problem does not only affect McLaren and believes other drivers have experienced the same situation throughout the season. “Certainly I wasn’t the only one. I know George had many problems with this this weekend and maybe also in the last races. Talking to other drivers, the story is similar.”
“When the starting grid is decided by computers working, or not working, it’s a really horrible way to race. Here it became even more evident, but you finish qualifying, look at all the corners and think: ‘I practically did the same lap as my teammate and yet I finished two tenths behind.’ It’s not a pleasant feeling at all.”
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