P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 chiefs have tools to avoid “unintended” ground effect troubles, says McLaren
Concerns have been raised by drivers about the physical battering they are facing on track due to the current ground effect cars performing best when they run low and stiff. The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) has been discussing the issue, with calls for action to be taken. World champion Max Verstappen raised the matter with the FIA at the Bahrain GP and urged for improved rules in 2026. Lando Norris also mentioned the toll the current cars are taking on the drivers. Andrea Stella, McLaren’s Team Principal, highlighted the importance of learning from the current challenges for designing better regulations in 2026. F1 teams were surprised by the behavior of the ground effect cars in 2022, leading to unintended challenges that have since been better understood but still pose risks.
