After qualifying seventh, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri likened the Turn 1 approach at COTA to a motocross jump.
He was 0.768 seconds shy of pole‑setter Kimi Antonelli, while teammate Lando Norris dropped to eighth after a Q3 lap was deleted for exceeding track limits.
The circuit’s surface dominated weekend chatter, especially after four‑time champion Max Verstappen called the bumps “unacceptable”. Piastri said most of the track feels smoother than last year, but the braking zones at Turns 1 and 19 still trouble drivers.
Piastri noted the majority of the layout seems improved, yet the rise into Turn 1 feels like a motocross jump and the hump at Turn 19 offers little relief.
In qualifying the bump is manageable because you brake after it, but during tomorrow’s race you’ll be braking right on it—particularly when trying to pass into Turn 1. For my money, those humps could ruin the action.
He added that the drivers have already raised the concern with the FIA.
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
We’ve spoken to the FIA; they’re aware and I expect a fix for next season,” he said.
When asked about the new building overlooking Turn 1, complete with cable‑car spectator lifts, Piastri said the 2026 clubhouse adds amenities but doesn’t alter his reference points.
He said the extra structure adds atmosphere, noting you now see a few more people in the cable cars rather than just the sky.
The first glance was surprising, yet it now simply enhances the vibe without changing his driving line.
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– The Team