McLaren boss says F1 Commission meeting is technical, not political, as 2026 rule tweaks are discussed

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella told RacingNews365 that the latest F1 Commission meeting – the forum where new regulations are first hashed out – was marked by constructive, technical dialogue rather than political maneuvering. With qualifying format, power‑unit split and other tweaks on the table for the 2026 rule package and the upcoming Miami race, Stella says all parties are focused on finding workable solutions.

Why it matters:

• The Commission’s tone sets the trajectory for 2026 rule changes that will affect car performance, cost and competitiveness across the grid.
• Qualifying excitement drives fan engagement and sponsor value; any rule tweaks could reshape race strategy and on‑track drama.
• Avoiding politicised gridlock helps keep the sport’s development schedule on track, especially ahead of the season’s first major U.S. event.

The details:

• The meeting reviewed proposals to refine the qualifying format, aiming to reward drivers who attack big corners and manage battery usage without penalty.
• Discussions included how to balance the split‑power architecture of the hybrid power units, ensuring teams can extract performance without over‑taxing the energy store.
• Stella noted that all sides – FIA, teams and the commercial rights holders – approached the agenda with a “will to find solutions”, indicating a collaborative climate.
• No definitive decision was announced for Miami, but adjustments are expected to be codified in the 2026 technical regulations.

What's next:

• Further technical sessions are scheduled throughout the April break to address concerns raised after the first three Grand Prix.
• The revised qualifying rules and power‑unit guidelines will be presented to the World Motor Sport Council for formal ratification later this year.
• McLaren and other teams will test the proposed changes in simulation and on‑track workshops to gauge impact before the Miami Grand Prix.