McLaren's Stella Backs Team to Master 2026 Regulations
McLaren boss Andrea Stella expresses confidence in his team's ability to adapt to the major 2026 regulation changes, pointing to their recent championship-winning form as a strong foundation.
McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella is confident his team can conquer the sweeping 2026 Formula 1 regulation changes, citing the technical department that delivered two consecutive Constructors' and a Drivers' championship as proof of their capability. With new power units, chassis, and aerodynamics on the horizon, the Woking-based outfit aims to translate its recent dominance into the next era of the sport.
Why it matters:
The 2026 season represents a massive reset for Formula 1, offering a rare opportunity for the competitive order to be reshuffled. A team that nails the new regulations can establish a period of dominance, while those who misstep risk falling behind. Stella's confidence, backed by recent success, suggests McLaren believes it has the structure and talent to avoid the pitfalls and cement its place at the front of the grid.
The details:
- Stella's Confidence: The team principal praised the 'technical quality of our racing department,' stating it's the same group that built a title-winning car for the past two seasons.
- Recent Success: McLaren's recent form provides a strong foundation, having secured the Constructors' Championship in both 2024 and 2025, with Lando Norris taking the Drivers' crown in 2025.
- 2026 Challenge: The new rules will overhaul the sport, with significant changes to engines, chassis, and aerodynamics, demanding a completely new design philosophy.
- Driver Growth: Stella also highlighted the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix battle between Norris and Max Verstappen as a pivotal moment that accelerated the British driver's growth, contributing to his 2025 title success.
What's next:
The focus at McLaren has already shifted from celebrating its 2025 double-title victory to the intense development cycle for the 2026 car. The team's primary task is to leverage its current momentum and technical expertise to master the new regulations. If successful, McLaren could transition from a resurgent champion to the benchmark team for the next generation of Formula 1.