P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Dan Fallows believes there is still scope for convergence under the current regulations.
Former Aston Martin technical chief Dan Fallows predicts McLaren would “struggle to get out of Q1” if Formula 1 teams have another year to master the regulations. The current ground-effect cars of 2022 will be replaced by a new generation of power units in the 2026 F1 regulations. McLaren has emerged as the new benchmark in F1, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris winning 11 out of the first 14 races in the dominant MCL39. Many teams feel the current ground-effect formula has plateaued, necessitating a new ruleset. Fallows believes McLaren could slip down the order if regulations remain the same, but also sees promise in the planned 2026 overhaul, which will introduce significant changes to chassis, aerodynamics, and engines in F1.
