P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren boss Andrea Stella has said the team’s 2026 plans could have been “heavily compromised” had it continued developing its 2025 F1 car like Red Bull.
McLaren boss Andrea Stella emphasized that focusing on updates for the 2025 Formula 1 car like Red Bull could have significantly hindered their 2026 plans.
Despite their season dominance waning recently, Red Bull’s improved performance has allowed Max Verstappen to become a strong contender for the championship title.
Red Bull’s turnaround began at the Italian Grand Prix with key upgrades to the RB21, further enhancing Verstappen’s performance.
While Red Bull continues to bolster Verstappen’s bid for the title with more updates in Mexico, McLaren has chosen not to respond with updates to their MCL39 car.
Instead, McLaren is prioritizing readiness for the 2026 rule changes, as explained by Stella to ensure a competitive car for future championship aspirations.
