In a team preview ahead of Melbourne, Andrea Stella has given an update on McLaren’s preparation for the 2026 F1 season. He outlined the work done during testing. The Italian also explained the team’s focus heading into the first race of the year.
McLaren go into the season with a target on their back. They have won the last two Constructors’ World Championships, while Lando Norris claimed the Drivers’ one from Max Verstappen and teammate Oscar Piastri.
The testing process with the MCL40
Andrea Stella said the team was pleased with the work they completed during testing in Barcelona and Bahrain. Across nine days of running, the MCL40 completed more than 1,000 laps, giving the team valuable track time under the new regulations.
Stella said this mileage allowed the entire McLaren team to gain important insights into the car’s performance and reliability at this early stage of development.
“We arrived at the 2026 season opener in Melbourne pleased with the successful work completed over the last few months of testing across Barcelona and Bahrain having covered more than 1,000 laps in nine days of running.
“This has given the entire team satisfying learnings around the performance and reliability of the MCL40 at this foundation stage of its development.”
Car specifications heading into the 2026 F1 season
In McLaren’s press release previewing Melbourne, Team Principal Andrea Stella said they are bringing a car to Albert Park. It largely matches the specification seen in Bahrain. The team made only minor aerodynamic refinements. He also noted that the team will continue focusing on key areas to unlock further potential from the power unit.
“The car we bring to Albert Park will largely be the same specification seen in Bahrain, with some minor aerodynamic refinements”
“We will continue working on important aspects such as weight reduction and optimisation of weight distribution, as well as unlocking further potential from the power unit.”
Andrea Stella on McLaren’s mindset ahead of the 2026 F1 season opener
The McLaren team boss, Andrea Stella, said the 2026 F1 season is an exciting but complex challenge. He added that it’s great to be back racing.
The Italian engineer also noted that the team looks forward to the race in Melbourne to see where they truly stand. He also noted that everybody’s hard work was key in getting the MCL40 on track.
“This season is an exciting but complex challenge, and it’s great to be back racing again; it’s the reason why we’re in the sport.”
“We’re looking forward to finally putting the cards on the table in Melbourne and seeing where we truly stand as the first races unfold.
“Everybody at McLaren Mastercard has played an important role in getting the MCL40 to track, but the hard work starts now, and we embrace the task ahead.”
While McLaren think Mercedes and Ferrari are a step ahead, do not rule out Andrea Stella’s team heading into the 2026 F1 season-opener.
