McLaren fires up MCL40 for first time as 2026 season looms

McLaren has officially fired up the MCL40 for the first time at its Woking headquarters, marking a significant milestone in the team's preparation for the 2026 Formula 1 season. With Team Principal Andrea Stella looking on, the reigning Constructors' and Drivers' Champions successfully started the Mercedes power unit, signaling the beginning of a new era under the sport's massive regulatory reset.

Why it matters:

While McLaren enters the new campaign as the defending double world champions, the 2026 regulations effectively reset the competitive order. The team's decision to extend its partnership with Mercedes through 2030 is now being put to the test. As CEO Zak Brown emphasized, past success offers no guarantees in this new landscape, making the reliability and performance of this new power unit critical to retaining their position at the front.

The Details:

• Mercedes Advantage: The Mercedes power unit is widely tipped to be the class of the field, with rumors suggesting they may have exploited a loophole in Article C.5.4.3 regarding geometric compression ratios.
• Technical Interpretation: Reports indicate Mercedes and Red Bull Powertrains interpret the rules such that the compression ratio limit only applies at ambient temperatures, potentially allowing for higher ratios—and thus more power—during track running.
• Testing Schedule: The first on-track action takes place behind closed doors in Spain on January 26, followed by public tests in Bahrain on February 11-13 and February 18-20.
• Season Start: The 2026 World Championship commences at the Australian Grand Prix on March 8.

What's next:

McLaren and other Mercedes-powered teams will get their first true indication of the engine's performance potential during the upcoming test in Spain. The team will be watching closely to see if the theoretical advantages translate into lap time, setting the stage for a highly competitive season opener.