P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren believes the return of an old F1 trick in 2026 could offer key opportunities to find performance.
McLaren believes that there will be more freedom to manipulate a key F1 car trick in the new generation of rules. The 2026 cars will see the return of the ‘rake’ technique, aimed at increasing downforce and performance by lowering the front of the car more than the rear. This approach was prevalent in the 2017-2021 rules cycle but was phased out with the introduction of ground effects. The reigning constructors’ champions consider the 2026 cars as a blend of the two philosophies, offering increased setup flexibility. Technical director Mark Temple highlighted the shift in aerodynamic characteristics for 2026, providing more room for adjustments without compromising speed. Despite the evolving regulations, the fundamental principles of Formula 1 remain intact, emphasizing power unit performance, aerodynamics, and tire management as crucial factors in performance differentiation.
