Oscar Piastri eyes McLaren comeback ahead of Austrian GP after Barcelona test

Oscar Piastri said McLaren can still fight for wins despite a difficult start to the 2026 season. The team, currently third in the Constructors’ Championship behind Mercedes, hopes an upgrade package slated for the Austrian Grand Prix – including an experimental rear wing – will improve performance. Reliability problems have hampered the campaign, with power‑unit and transmission failures affecting both Piastri and teammate Lando Norris.

Ahead of the heat‑intense race at Spielberg, where temperatures are expected to exceed 31 °C, Piastri described his personal “bathroom sauna” preparation using portable heaters and an exercise bike. Drivers must use cooling systems such as liquid‑cooled vests, though Piastri noted the method is “not for pleasure” but aimed at maintaining performance in the scorching conditions.