McLaren's Andrea Stella has given us a peek into the competitive landscape as the 2026 Formula 1 season gears up. After the final pre-season test, Stella acknowledges that Ferrari and Mercedes seem to have a slight edge. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc impressed by topping the timesheets, leaving McLaren's Lando Norris trailing by over eight-tenths of a second.
Despite this, Stella remains optimistic about McLaren's prospects. He believes they're not far off from the top teams, having completed their test objectives ahead of the season opener at the Australian Grand Prix from March 6-8.
When discussing the current pecking order, Stella highlighted the importance of race simulations in gauging true performance. He noted a particular simulation involving Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen, which offered insights into their competitive pace.
However, he cautioned that track conditions can vary, making it tricky to draw definitive conclusions. Stella feels McLaren and Red Bull are closely matched, while Ferrari and Mercedes hold a slight advantage.
The dynamics could shift as the season progresses, with different tracks playing to different teams' strengths. Red Bull's efficiency in deploying electrical energy could be a game-changer, especially on circuits with fewer braking zones.
Stella pointed out that while Bahrain's circuit allowed for easier energy harvesting due to its braking zones, Australia's Albert Park will present a tougher challenge. Drivers will need to adapt their driving styles to maximize energy efficiency.
As McLaren utilizes Mercedes engines, there's a natural collaboration with Mercedes' engine department. Stella acknowledges this partnership but also sees room for improvement. The focus will be on refining engine control and optimizing power unit use to enhance both performance and raceability.
Stella emphasized the importance of learning to exploit the power unit's features effectively. This means not just aiming for fast lap times, but also ensuring competitiveness in race situations against rivals. McLaren is committed to making strides in this area, aiming to close the gap with the frontrunners as the season unfolds.