Oscar Piastri highlights McLaren uncertainty amid 'unconventional challenge'

Oscar Piastri is unsure where McLaren lies in the F1 pecking order ahead of the final pre-season test at the Bahrain International Circuit.

The Australian expected the reigning constructors' champions to still be in the top four teams — alongside Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull — but was unable to estimate where the Woking-based squad sits within that quartet.

McLaren heads into the new season, with all-new chassis and power unit regulations, looking to defend the crown it has won for the past two years.

For Piastri, his sights are set on dethroning team-mate Lando Norris, who outlasted him to claim a maiden F1 drivers' championship — with Max Verstappen also having dragged himself into the fight last term.

However, whether the MCL40 will put the nine-time grand prix winner in a position to secure the first F1 title of his own career remains to be seen.

Speaking to media, including RacingNews365, Piastri said: "Where we are in the pecking order, I don't know.

"It kind of looks like the top four teams are still the top four teams, but I don't know where exactly we sit in that at the moment."

With the comprehensive rewrite of the chassis and power unit rules, F1 — and its teams and drivers — is facing a very different prospect in 2026.

"The cars are certainly different, that's for sure," the 24-year-old mused.

"I think the low-speed corners probably feel the same, or maybe a little bit nicer, because it's a little bit lighter.

"Obviously, the high-speed performance, in terms of downforce, is significantly less than last year."

The power units in particular have been causing a stir in the paddock, with Lewis Hamilton claiming they feel like F2 machinery and Verstappen comparing it to "Formula E on steroids" whilst also arguing the new regulations are "anti-racing."

Piastri labelled them "unconventional", but was quick to underline that everyone on the grid is battling the same difficulties.

He added: "Been learning a lot about how to get the most out of the power units this week, which is unconventional, definitely — but new challenges for everyone."