Key Sentence: McLaren targets performance gains by mastering its Mercedes power unit, while concerns over 2026 race starts prompt urgent safety talks.
McLaren Power Unit Optimization
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has stated that the team expects to make substantial improvements in performance from its Mercedes power unit. In the first three races of the 2025 season, the team faced difficulties understanding the Mercedes HPP unit, including electrical glitches that prevented drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri from starting the Chinese Grand Prix. The cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix provided teams with additional time for data analysis and upgrades.
"We have made progress in simulation tools and cooperation with Mercedes HPP," Stella noted, adding that new regulations have reduced energy recharge in qualifying from 8MJ to 7MJ per lap.
Following the Australian Grand Prix qualifying session—where Mercedes factory team drivers secured the front row, and McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris qualified fifth and sixth respectively—Stella stated that significant lap time improvements are available through appropriate driving input, control system adjustments, and programming. Piastri's fastest qualifying lap was eight-tenths of a second slower than George Russell's pole position time.
Stella acknowledged that learning the Mercedes power unit is not the sole factor in the performance gap. Mercedes also demonstrates superior corner speed, indicating McLaren needs to enhance aerodynamic performance alongside power unit utilization.
2026 Regulations: Race Start Concerns
Formula 1 is initiating new discussions regarding potential alterations to the grand prix start sequence for the 2026 cars. Early testing has highlighted difficulties for drivers in preparing for race starts, involving multiple demands such as maintaining turbo spool for approximately 10 seconds to minimize lag while avoiding battery overcharging.
Audi driver Gabriel Bortoleto described the current practice starts as "complicated."
Paddock concerns have been raised about safety risks. One driver suggested that analysis indicates 1 in 20 starts are being fumbled, increasing the likelihood of slow getaways and potential accidents.
Cadillac driver Valtteri Bottas questioned whether drivers at the back of the grid would have sufficient time to spool turbos before the start sequence.
Oscar Piastri called for discussions prior to the Australian Grand Prix to address safety concerns related to race starts under the new regulations. Piastri described the prospect of 22 low-downforce cars on track as potentially problematic, stating that a bad start could result in substantial position losses.
A chaotic practice start at the end of day three of pre-season testing in Bahrain raised concerns. Piastri clarified the issue was a "mix-up in instructions" rather than a power unit problem.
Proposed Rule Changes and Stakeholder Positions
Two primary options are under consideration for the start procedure:
- Delaying Start Sequence: Extending the minimum time between when the final car forms on the grid and the light sequence begins. Rules were previously amended to mandate a one-second interval between each of the five red lights.
- Revising Battery Use Restrictions: Amending rules that prevent drivers from using the MGU-K for additional battery power until the car reaches 50km/h, and only allow negative MGU-K torque (battery charging) when stationary.
The F1 Commission meeting is expected to address these rule concerns.
An earlier attempt to revise the start procedure faced resistance from Ferrari. Last summer, a proposal from F1's Sporting Advisory Committee to modify the start light sequence was reportedly blocked by Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur. Vasseur argued that teams were aware of turbo lag challenges during power unit design, and those who made concept decisions not aligning with current start regulations should adapt rather than force rule changes.
Driver Feedback on 2026 Cars
Drivers have expressed mixed reviews regarding the new generation F1 cars following the pre-season test in Bahrain. Lando Norris found the cars enjoyable and George Russell viewed regulations as a "step forward." Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen have raised concerns. Verstappen characterized the new rules as "anti-racing."
Piastri, who completed 161 laps in the new McLaren during day three of testing, described the cars as complex, with many unfamiliar tasks for drivers. He noted the cars are slower with less downforce in high-speed corners and potentially more power out of corners. He stated that the cars still provide a sense of an F1 car in terms of grip.
Overtaking Concerns
Piastri noted that overtaking requires attention under the new regulations. The Drag Reduction System (DRS) has been removed, replaced by electrical boost and overtake modes. Piastri stated that utilizing the energy boost requires careful harvesting and deployment, and that following other cars feels similar to last year.