P1racenews AI automatic summary:
As F1 prepares for a new era of racing, McLaren expects to see more tactical decision-making rather than a simple straight-line advantage.
McLaren foresees more strategic decision-making in the new era of Formula 1 racing post-2026, shifting away from relying solely on straight-line speed advantages.
With the upcoming season introducing a new hybrid era and revamped power units and chassis, the competition is expected to see a significant reshuffling of team rankings compared to the previous year.
The drivers will need to revise their tactics, as they will now have access to various new tools like overtake mode, boost mode, active aerodynamics, and recharge mode to outsmart their opponents.
McLaren’s Technical Director for Performance, Mark Temple, anticipates these changes will lead to a different style of racing, encouraging mental games among drivers.
Temple emphasizes the importance of understanding and strategically using energy around the lap due to the new regulations, with drivers needing to manage energy consciously and judiciously decide when and where to utilize it for optimal performance.
The implementation of the simulator will play a vital role in preparing drivers for the challenges of the 2026 season, helping them simulate different racing scenarios and adapt to the demands of the new regulations.
Although drivers will receive guidance and information through display screens and engineer feedback, a significant portion of their learning process will be instinctive, particularly in mastering energy management and maximizing performance on the track.
