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McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has cast a light on six vital people at the constructors’ champions whilst explaining why he is “optimistic” for the 2026 F1 season.
Andrea Stella has given high praise to McLaren’s technical team, believing it to be one of the strongest groups he has collaborated with in his F1 career. The team principal of the Woking-based squad highlighted six key members from the department to showcase why McLaren is “optimistic” for the upcoming 2026 season despite the regulatory changes. Although the power unit regulations have been completely overhauled, McLaren, being a Mercedes engine customer, will only need to integrate the supplied power unit and gearbox into their chassis design. However, with the new aerodynamic rules and uncertainty around engine performance, McLaren’s competitiveness is not guaranteed. McLaren has a history of successful recoveries, having made up significant ground during a previous rules cycle after a developmental setback, ultimately leading to their dominance in F1. Stella emphasized that the team’s achievements are a testament to the entire organization’s effort, with a special acknowledgement to the technical team for their pivotal role in the team’s transformation from a mid-field contender to a championship-winning outfit.
