McLaren Eyes 2026 Advantage: Stella Highlights Power Unit and Active Aero Exploitation as Key to Future Performance

Woking, UK – McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella has indicated that the most significant performance gains for the forthcoming generation of Formula 1 cars, exemplified by their conceptual MCL40, will stem from the intricate understanding and exploitation of the new power unit regulations and the introduction of active aerodynamics. Following what was described as an intensive "shakedown" period at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya – a likely reference to advanced simulation and preliminary testing of mule components for the radical 2026 rule changes – Stella emphasized the steep learning curve facing all teams and drivers.

The session, which saw a cumulative 291 laps completed by McLaren’s driving duo, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, provided the Woking-based squad with its first tangible "sense of reality" regarding the fundamental shift in regulatory framework. While establishing a robust baseline for future development, the team acknowledges the imperative for rapid evolution to master the complex "toolbox" of features inherent to these new technical specifications.

"It was a very useful three days," Stella stated in a team interview, reflecting on the critical data acquisition phase. "We were able to collect a large amount of data and begin to understand how the new generation of single-seaters behave in reality on track and no longer solely on simulators."

A crucial positive emerging from this initial evaluation was the strong correlation between the car’s on-track behaviour and the team’s extensive simulation models. This alignment represents a significant step forward, particularly given the correlation challenges that plagued several teams during the initial phases of the ground effect era introduced in 2022. Stella noted, "What we saw on the track was in line with expectations and, above all, with the simulations." This fidelity between virtual and physical realms provides a solid foundation for McLaren’s engineering efforts as they gear up for the competitive landscape of 2026.

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However, the Italian team principal was quick to underscore the profound depth of learning required. "What emerged clearly is that the learning curve is very steep for everyone – drivers and teams alike – which means that every lap teaches you something useful in terms of performance," Stella explained. This accelerated learning environment is a direct consequence of the wholesale redesign mandated by the 2026 regulations, where, as Stella put it, "these cars are totally new, from A to Z."

While the conceptual MCL40 has proven to be a promising starting point, the focus now shifts unequivocally to an intense period of development. "We know that the MCL40 is a good starting point, but now we have to work hard to develop it and, through our knowledge of the car, improve the overall performance of the package, both for the immediate future and to further define the development lines during the season," Stella affirmed. This strategy highlights McLaren’s long-term vision, aiming not just for initial competitiveness but also for sustained performance growth throughout the maiden season of the new era.

Delving deeper into the specific areas for optimisation, Stella identified two principal avenues for unlocking significant performance improvements. "Although these are very preliminary indications, I believe that one of the areas where there is great room for improvement is in exploiting the new power unit and all the options available to the driver," he revealed. The 2026 power unit regulations represent a radical departure from current specifications, featuring a near 50/50 split between internal combustion engine power and electrical power, alongside the elimination of the complex MGU-H component. This fundamental shift necessitates a complete rethinking of energy management strategies, demanding sophisticated integration between the engine, battery, and hybrid systems. Drivers will be tasked with mastering new tools and techniques to deploy electrical power effectively throughout a lap, a challenge that could differentiate top performers.

Complementing the power unit revolution is the introduction of active aerodynamics. "There is also a lot of potential to be extracted in terms of managing the variable aerodynamic configuration, referring to the alternation between Corner and Straight Mode," Stella added. The 2026 regulations will permit movable front and rear wings, allowing cars to switch between a high-downforce "Z-mode" for cornering and a low-drag "X-mode" for straight-line speed. This dynamic aero system will require precise driver input and advanced control algorithms to maximise its potential, adding another layer of complexity to car setup and race strategy. The ability to seamlessly transition between these modes, optimising both grip and efficiency, will be a critical determinant of lap time.

Stella drew a historical parallel to underscore the magnitude of the impending changes. "That said, it is obvious that this generation of single-seaters is at a very early stage of development: four years ago, when ground effect cars made their debut, we were in different circumstances because the power unit and tyres were essentially unchanged from the previous year." This comparison highlights that while the 2022 ground effect regulations brought significant aerodynamic shifts, the underlying power unit and tyre technology remained largely constant. The 2026 rules, by contrast, overhaul both aerodynamics and the fundamental powertrain, presenting an unprecedented engineering challenge and an unparalleled opportunity for teams to gain an early competitive edge through superior understanding and application.

Contextualising McLaren’s Ambitions for 2026

McLaren’s proactive approach to the 2026 regulations comes on the heels of a remarkable resurgence in recent Formula 1 seasons. After a challenging start to the 2023 campaign, the team demonstrated an extraordinary turnaround, with consistent upgrades propelling them from the back of the midfield to regularly challenging for podiums. They secured a commendable fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship in 2023, showcasing significant operational and developmental prowess under Stella’s leadership. This momentum carried into the current 2024 season, where McLaren has firmly established itself as a leading contender, battling Ferrari and Mercedes for the ‘best of the rest’ spot behind Red Bull, and occasionally even challenging the reigning champions.

Drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri form one of the sport’s most dynamic pairings. Norris, a proven race winner and multiple podium finisher, brings a blend of raw speed, technical feedback, and strategic intelligence. His consistent performances and ability to extract maximum performance from the car will be invaluable in navigating the complexities of the 2026 machinery. Piastri, who had a standout rookie season in 2023, earning a Sprint Race victory and multiple strong finishes, continues to demonstrate rapid learning and adaptability. His fresh perspective and capacity to quickly assimilate new concepts will be crucial as McLaren embarks on mastering an entirely new regulatory landscape.

For a team with McLaren’s storied history – boasting 12 Drivers’ Championships and 8 Constructors’ Championships – the 2026 regulations represent a pivotal moment. With their last Constructors’ title dating back to 1998 and their last Drivers’ title in 2008, McLaren is intensely focused on returning to the pinnacle of Formula 1. The comprehensive overhaul of technical rules offers a reset button, providing an equal playing field where engineering ingenuity and developmental speed will be paramount. Early insights and a clear strategy for exploiting the new power unit and active aero systems, as articulated by Andrea Stella, underscore McLaren’s determination to be at the forefront of this new era. The meticulous data collection and simulation correlation reported from their conceptual MCL40 testing signal a focused and disciplined approach to seize this transformative opportunity.

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Jonas Leo

Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.

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