One of the big questions ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season concerns the performance level of the reigning world champions. Bahrain testing revealed a McLaren capable of fighting at the top, but the main uncertainty lies in how it compares to Mercedes, the supplier of Woking’s power units. According to Team Principal Andrea Stella, the parent team could serve as an initial benchmark, but the discussion extends further. Andrea Stella also shared his thoughts on how the 2026 championship might evolve, including on regulatory matters.
Stella: “We are not the favorites. Mercedes and Ferrari better positioned”
So where do the defending world champions stand heading into Melbourne? “We are not the favorites,” Andrea Stella joked in an interview with Sky Sport. When asked about potential performance levels, the McLaren team principal said: “I believe Ferrari and Mercedes are currently the two most ready and fastest teams. By the numbers, we still have some work to do to close the gap, but it’s a very long season.”
According to the Italian engineer, the key to success in this first year of the new regulatory cycle will be development efficiency. “As many of my colleagues have said, this season will not be decided by where you start, but by the gradient of development. This is where we are focusing our efforts, and we hope to replicate what we have achieved in past years.”
Open to regulatory tweaks: “there are areas that need immediate attention”
The early days of track activity have already seen heated discussion in the paddock on several technical topics, from new power unit management to starts and overtaking operations. Andrea Stella noted that McLaren maintains an open mindset regarding potential regulatory refinements. “My view is that there is certainly room for small adjustments on very specific issues. I’m not talking about changing the overall philosophy or approach of the rules, including the power unit, because there’s potential and a lot to explore as the season progresses, but there are aspects we need to address immediately.”
The Italian engineer explained further: “For example, the start or energy recovery without the need to lift off the throttle, which is an unnatural and unpredictable action for the car behind.”
On facilitating overtaking: “We need to create authority somehow, either through power or by reducing aerodynamic drag. The latter isn’t possible because the DRS effect no longer exists, so power is the main tool. We have a very open and proactive approach. We will also conduct tests today to explore alternative setups that the FIA could consider for a rule improvement package. In the general interest of Formula 1, we want to maintain the same level of performance and entertainment as in previous seasons.”
McLaren overweight? “We will bring unseen updates to Melbourne”
Among the technical challenges teams face at this stage is car weight management. Andrea Stella touched on this, outlining some modifications coming to the MCL40. “Weight reduction is never fully complete, even when you’re within limits. You want the ability to adjust weight distribution, even if you reach the minimum weight,” he said. “This is an area we have certainly worked on during development. We will bring some unseen upgrades to Melbourne as part of the car’s lightening programme, with more work planned through the first part of the season.”
Asked how McLaren approaches the new season after a highly successful previous campaign, Andrea Stella said: “On one hand, it gives confidence to both myself and the team, but on the other, you’re always focused on the future. Past achievements don’t give you any credit. We all start from zero points, and everything we earn must be deserved on track.”
Andrea Stella has therefore positioned McLaren as the hunter rather than the hunted for the 2026 opener, acknowledging the superior pace of Ferrari and Mercedes while preparing an “invisible” weight-saving update for Melbourne to ensure the MCL40 remains in the fight for the title.
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