Andrea Stella Says Formula 1’s 2026 Rules Bring Unprecedented Challenge For McLaren

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has described Formula 1’s upcoming 2026 regulation overhaul as an “almost unprecedented” challenge, as teams prepare for what is widely regarded as the biggest rules reset in the sport’s history.

Despite arriving as reigning world champions, Stella has made it clear that McLaren will gain no advantage when the new era begins, with every team effectively starting from zero.

A Regulation Change Like No Other

The 2026 season will introduce sweeping changes across chassis design, power units, fuel, and tyres, creating a level of complexity rarely seen in Formula 1.

According to Stella, the scale of work required has been extraordinary.

“There’s been so much work behind the design, the realisation, the build of the 2026 cars that, for what I can remember, is almost unprecedented,” he said.

“Never before has there been such a huge and simultaneous change of chassis, power unit and tyres.”

Stella revealed that McLaren’s design effort over the past 20 months represents the largest new-car project he has ever been involved in, underlining just how disruptive the regulation changes will be.

No Champion’s Advantage In 2026

While McLaren currently sit at the top of the sport, Stella stressed that success in previous seasons offers no carryover benefit.

“We are champions, but we don’t carry being champions into 2026,” he explained.

“Everyone will start from the starting blocks — everyone will start from zero.”

That reset, Stella believes, could dramatically reshuffle the competitive order, making the early part of the 2026 season unpredictable.

Delayed Testing Strategy

Unlike some rivals, McLaren will not run their new car on the first day of pre-season testing at Barcelona, opting instead to maximise development time.

The closed-door test runs from January 26–30, with teams allowed to test on three of the five days.

“We plan to start testing either on day two or day three,” Stella said.

“Every day of development was adding a little bit of performance.”

Stella acknowledged the trade-off between early track data and ultimate performance, explaining that committing too early to a design could limit long-term gains.

Racing Could Look “A Little Weird”

One of the most intriguing consequences of the new regulations will be how races unfold on track. With hybrid systems now delivering around 50% of total power, energy management will play a central role.

Stella warned fans to expect unusual racing scenarios.

“It may look a little weird that one car can overtake so easily another car,” he said.

“The car behind might have a full battery, while the one ahead has almost none.”

McLaren’s technical director for performance, Mark Temple, added that energy deployment choices could leave drivers vulnerable immediately after attacking.

“If you use all your energy on one straight, you may be exposed on the next,” Temple explained.

“Energy will be much more of a factor in overtaking, defending, and overall strategy.”

Norris And Piastri Free To Race

Despite the increased pressure of a title-winning team, Stella confirmed that Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will continue to race freely against each other.

McLaren faced several tense moments last season as both drivers fought for the championship, including controversial strategy calls in Hungary and Italy, as well as on-track contact in Singapore and Austin.

Still, Stella insists the team’s philosophy remains unchanged.

“We will keep racing the McLaren way,” he said.

“Fairness, integrity, equal opportunities, and sportsmanship are fundamental.”

While McLaren may streamline some internal processes, Stella believes the team’s collaborative approach was key to their success—and will remain central as they head into a radically new Formula 1 era.

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