P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren believes a “cat and mouse” game will play out in the 2026 season, with a “powerful tool” being deployed to aid it.
McLaren sees its simulator as a crucial tool for optimizing the new energy management rules in the 2026 F1 season, with the team working closely with Mercedes HPP to understand the increased battery power and its impact on race strategies.
The shift to a 50-50 split in power output between the battery and internal combustion engine has raised concerns about managing energy reserves effectively during races, prompting McLaren to focus on intelligent deployment and driver training.
Technical director Mark Temple emphasized the importance of simulator training for drivers to grasp the nuances of energy usage and harvesting, particularly in overtaking and strategic situations where energy management plays a key role.
Simulations of different race scenarios have been conducted to prepare drivers for challenges like optimizing energy usage on long straights, creating a dynamic element that adds complexity to race strategy and increases the competitive dynamics among teams.
Temple highlighted the need for drivers to adapt their approach based on competitors’ reactions, resulting in a “cat and mouse” game that adds an exciting element of unpredictability to races in the new era of Formula 1.
