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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."

Also interesting:

Join RacingNews365’s Ian Parkes, Sam Coop and Nick Golding as they look back on last week’s first test in Bahrain and this week’s second test at the same venue. The trio debate Max Verstappen’s criticism of the regulations and whether Formula 1 is facing an identity crisis.

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