P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren to skip F1 testing
McLaren F1 boss Andrea Stella announced the team will miss the first day of 2026 pre-season testing to focus on further development before starting on day two or three at the Barcelona shakedown.
Teams are hurrying to finalize their 2026 cars and power units with the season approaching, as F1 grants an 11-day pre-season testing period due to significant regulation changes this year.
McLaren’s dominance in the 2025 season, winning 14 out of 24 grands prix and clinching both championships, might face challenges in 2026 due to the rule reset and the potential shift in competitiveness.
Stella emphasized the importance of allowing more time for development to enhance performance, indicating a strategic move by McLaren in their 2026 campaign preparation.
McLaren aims for a competitive season ahead led by their talented drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, alongside utilizing Mercedes power units, positioning them well for the anticipated power unit changes.
As F1 navigates the evolving landscape, McLaren’s approach demonstrates a meticulous balance between early track testing and ongoing development to maximize their chances in the upcoming season.
