P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren explain their approach to F1 2026’s first shakedown test in Barcelona.
McLaren will skip the opening day of F1’s closed-door shakedown in Barcelona next week to focus on development time.
All 11 F1 teams will have a week of private testing in Barcelona from January 26-30 for their new 2026 cars.
McLaren’s team principal confirmed they will start testing on day two or three to maximize development.
They believe giving more time to development will enhance performance for the upcoming season.
Following the Barcelona shakedown, there will be two official pre-season F1 tests in Bahrain before the first race in Australia.
McLaren’s chief designer mentioned they won’t make significant changes to the MCL40 design between Barcelona and the first race in Melbourne.
