Reason why Formula 1 customer teams were out of their depth with 2026 rules

Despite winning both Formula 1 championships in 2025, McLaren has lagged the season behind pace setting Mercedes team, who integrated chassis and power unit development from the outset.

Quoted on the official McLaren webiste, Stella revealed: “It wasn’t a surprise because we were fully aware of how much the regulatory changes would essentially reset the competitive order between the teams.”

He added: “We must not forget that we are a customer team, competing against works teams who are supported by some of the biggest manufacturers. It was a plausible scenario that those who had the opportunity to design both the car and the power unit simultaneously might have an advantage, especially in the early stages of a new regulatory framework.

“The choice not to be a works team has its pros and cons, but McLaren’s results over the last two years demonstrate that even a customer team can win, not just races but also Championships. It may take time, but we have everything it takes to succeed once again as a customer team.”

Stella also addressed the growing debate around the new regulations, acknowledging both positive and negative areas requiring refinement: “We are well aware of how we arrived at the new regulations and how necessary this power unit architecture was to ensure the participation of some of the biggest car manufacturers in Formula 1.

“If we look first and foremost at the data, we cannot deny that the fans’ reaction has been positive overall, with average approval ratings for the first three races higher than in 2025, not to mention the three sell-outs recorded in Melbourne, Shanghai and Suzuka.

"Television audience figures are also very encouraging, with overall increases all in double figures. There are areas that can be improved to make the rules even better and more effective.

"I am thinking, for example, at how we can ensure that driving flat-out in Qualifying is something properly rewarding for the drivers, but also looking at things with the perspective of safety at how we can make starts and close racing safer," added the McLaren team pirncipal.

Meetings with the FIA and Formula 1 are ongoing, with potential adjustments already under consideration as the sport reacts to early feedback from teams and drivers. The enforced hiatus has provided rule makers to tweak the rules. Time will tell if it improves the fake racing.