McLaren's MCL40 racing in Melbourne is basically same car tested in Bahrain

Every Formula 1 team will have its own car development strategy, and while the development curves this year will be quite steep due to the new 2026 regulations, McLaren are keeping their car virtually unchanged for the 2026 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

"It will essentially be the same," Stella said when asked about the MCL40 McLaren will take down under. "We will have introduced some minor aerodynamic updates and will continue to work on important aspects, such as the weight of the car.

"This is a rather significant factor not only in absolute terms but also because going below the minimum weight will allow us to work on weight distribution. Another key factor is the exploitation of the power unit, as I mentioned earlier," he explained.

And when quizzed how the team's drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, felt ahead of the first race this season, keeping in mind the different way they would have to go racing, the Italian responded: "Positive.

"Both Lando and Oscar were able to drive continuously at Sakhir and worked very hard on all of the areas that will allow them to improve the overall performance of the car.

"Let's not forget, a driver’s talent and ability to make the most of all the tools at their disposal have perhaps never been so important—not only in Qualifying but in all aspects of race management, from the start onwards.

"The quality of the integration between the driver, engineers, and the car will be increasingly important," Stella concluded.

McLaren will be hoping to retain both their Titles in 2026, which will not be easy given the challenges from their rivals. (Reporting by Agnes Carlier)