McLaren is continuing to “evaluate” whether Oscar Piastri should switch to the front suspension configuration that teammate Lando Norris has been running since the Canadian Grand Prix – a change that appears to have given the Briton a clearer connection with his car.
Although the difference in suspension setup has been described as more of a configuration option than a definitive upgrade, the team’s two cars have been running with subtly different front-end components for over a month.
The goal of the new suspension design is to improve steering feedback by adjusting mounting points on the front upright – a solution aimed at solving an early-season issue both drivers described as “numbness” through the steering wheel.
Different Paths to Comfort
While Norris was more vocal in struggling with the lack of front-end feel earlier in the season, prompting his adoption of the revised geometry, Piastri has chosen to stay with the original setup he started the season with.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella acknowledged that this split strategy has implications beyond just driver preference.
“The different front suspension set-up does not complicate the way we look at the data, [nor] the way we compare how well the two cars are doing from a car performance point of view or a driving performance point of view,” said Stella, quoted by The Race.
“That's not a problem itself. If anything it is more a problem from a parts point of view, because we need to have various specifications that we carry with us.
“We are actually discussing whether some of the options adopted by Lando might be interesting for Oscar in the future. This will be evaluated.”
So far, McLaren has left the decision in the hands of its drivers, treating the suspension difference as a matter of feel rather than raw performance gain.
Piastri Cautious About Making the Change
Speaking earlier this month ahead of the British Grand Prix, Piastri appeared in no rush to follow Norris in adopting the updated geometry.
“I've not used it ever yet,” said Piastri. “The thing is, for me, it's not an upgrade. It's just something that is different.
"It makes some things potentially a bit better, it makes some things a bit worse. If it was just all benefits, I would be putting it on with no questions asked. But for me I've not really struggled with that kind of particular feeling.
"The year has been going pretty well, so I'm more keen to just keep the car consistent and worry about how we get the most out of the set-up and the other upgrades we actually have, than this change to the suspension."
Piastri’s approach reflects a driver comfortable with his current balance and performance level, despite teammate Norris showing improved confidence since adopting the revised hardware.
Different Preferences May Persist
According to Stella, McLaren is open to the idea that the divergence between its drivers' setups might last for the remainder of the season.
“We can see Lando is just more comfortable and this is really good news,” the Italian said.
“For Oscar, he has always been in a good space in terms of relationship with the car. So there's a chance that these differences will persist for the remainder of the season.”
As McLaren continues its pursuit of podiums and development gains in a tightly packed Formula 1 midfield, maintaining two slightly different car configurations adds some logistical complexity.
But with both drivers seemingly content – and performing strongly – the team appears happy to let comfort and confidence guide the decision rather than impose a one-size-fits-all solution.
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