McLaren are refusing to ease up on developing their 2026 car, even as they dominate the current Formula 1 season, according to team principal Andrea Stella.
The Woking-based outfit have stormed to the top of both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships, showcasing blistering pace and exceptional tyre management that have left rivals scrambling.
Their car’s ability to maintain performance over a race distance has been a standout strength, setting them apart on the grid.
Despite looming regulation changes for 2026, which will force teams to shift resources to next-generation cars, McLaren are committed to extracting every ounce of potential from their current machine.
Stella, speaking to the media, emphasized their determination to keep pushing upgrades for the 2025 season.
“We’re not taking anything for granted,” Stella said. “We’re still focused on improving this year’s car, particularly in specific conditions, and we’ve got upgrades planned to make that happen.”
Like their competitors, McLaren have already begun work on their 2026 car, with development kicking off as early as January 2. However, they are carefully balancing resources to avoid falling behind in the race for next year’s revolutionary designs.
Stella acknowledged the challenge, noting the risk of switching focus too late.
“There’s a lot to do for 2026,” he said. “We’ve been working on it since the start of the year, but we’re managing our resources logically to keep this year’s car competitive while preparing for the future.”
McLaren’s pursuit of their first double championship since 1998 remains their priority, and they are determined to maintain their edge.
Recent posts on X reflect fan excitement, with many praising McLaren’s aggressive approach and tyre management as key to their 2025 success.
The next challenge awaits at the Canadian Grand Prix, where teams will battle over 70 laps of the 4.361-kilometer Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on June 15. McLaren will aim to extend their lead and prove their upgrades can keep them ahead of the pack.
