- BIST10012,151-0.94%
- USD49.220.00%
- EUR55.21+0.28%
- GOLD4,194.50-0.52%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN83,014-0.79%
- October 12, 202619°
- BIST10012,151-0.94%
- USD49.220.00%
- EUR55.21+0.28%
- GOLD4,194.50-0.52%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN83,014-0.79%
- October 12, 202619°
McLaren found the season start insufficient
Andrea Stella said that McLaren started the 2026 Formula 1 season below expectations. However, the team still believes it maintains its championship chances.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said that he found the 2026 Formula 1 season so far to be below expectations. However, he also emphasized that the team has not completely distanced itself from the championship fight.
In the first part of the season, McLaren experienced many problems. Oscar Piastri could not start the race in Australia, neither Piastri nor Lando Norris could get off the line in China, and in Canada, both drivers were involved in different incidents.
Highlights
- Andrea Stella found McLaren's season start below expectations.
- Oscar Piastri could not start the race in Australia.
- Both Piastri and Lando Norris could not start in China.
- Both drivers experienced different problems at the Canadian Grand Prix.
- Despite this, McLaren maintains its hopes for the championship.
The first part of the season did not meet expectations
It was reported that McLaren either finished outside the points or did not see the checkered flag in 5 of the last 10 races. Nevertheless, the team initially achieved three podiums and ranked third early in the constructors' championship.
For McLaren, which had a strong period last year in both the drivers' and constructors' championships, the start of the season fell short of the targeted level. Stella said the team received positive signs regarding the development of the race car, but the results obtained did not match expectations.
Stella: There is still time for the championship
Stella explained that they encountered different types of problems in different races. The problem in Australia, the power unit's electrical failure in China, and the athlete, reliability, and accident-related issues in Canada provided important lessons for the team.
The team principal stated that despite this, he remains optimistic and reminded that a longer part of the season is ahead. He expressed that McLaren sees a chance to recover especially in the Middle East races.
Stella also said that the championship is still undecided and that the team's goal is to keep the races open until the very end. He emphasized that McLaren wants the decision to be made in Abu Dhabi and that they are determined for this.
Notable celebration before the Monaco weekend
McLaren is preparing for a special weekend as it approaches its 1000th race start in Formula 1 in Monaco. It was reported that all living McLaren race winners are planned to gather on the grid on Thursday as part of this.
The current car of the team and McLaren's first car, the M2B, being commemorated side by side during the same weekend also highlights the connection between the brand's past and present. However, the main agenda on the McLaren side is to stay in the race for the rest of the season rather than flashy moments.
Context: McLaren entered the 2026 season with strong expectations following consecutive championships. However, setbacks and point losses in the first races reopened discussions about the team's goals.
Sponsored Ads
Featured Listings
Loading featured properties...
Stay Updated with The Turkiye Times
Subscribe to be informed about special news, developments and announcements. We will keep you informed.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy
