Don't judge 2026 F1 cars on Melbourne performance, warns McLaren

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella expects the pecking order between the start and the end of the 2026 Formula 1 season to change dramatically in what he labelled a “game of development”.

The reigning constructors’ champions presented the MCL40’s race colours at the Bahrain International Circuit on Monday, just two days before pre-season testing begins at the venue.

Drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri joined Stella and CEO Zak Brown at the launch, making it the penultimate team to reveal its official livery for F1’s new era.

Speaking about the challenge of the comprehensive 2026 regulations, Stella emphasised the steep learning curve facing all teams.

“Every day was important. Every day we accumulated some design, some innovation, some performance, but it will stay the same throughout the season,” the Italian explained.

Crucially, Stella believes the competitive order established at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne will bear little resemblance to the final standings.

“Irrespective of the pecking order at the first race, I think the first season will be a game of development and who will have developed the most actually may be the successful one at the end of the season,” he said.

McLaren’s title defence in 2025 raised questions about whether the extended championship battle impacted its 2026 preparations, but Stella expressed confidence in the team’s resource allocation.

“We needed to reflect on the resources that we invested on pursuing the championship and onto the new car. We think we have achieved the right balance, so we are optimistic that the MCL40 will be a strong contender.”

With the regulations representing a clean-sheet approach to car design, Stella outlined where development will focus.

“It’s all new, but the reference will always be made by the fundamentals,” he said.