F1 | Stella: “The 2026 rules don’t work: they need to be changed”

The new rules are under attack. Andrea Stella, McLaren team principal, doesn’t beat around the bush: “The 2026 single-seaters will be too slow in corners and too fast in a straight line.”

The FIA ​​has finally formalized the chassis and aerodynamic regulations which will come into force in two years: the draft that was presented and which will have to be ratified by the next World Council on 28 June did not find the support of the teams.

Moreover, this time the teams did not have a hand in drafting the F1 rules because the current governance of the Circus does not have jurisdiction until 2026 because the Concordat Pact will expire next year.

The feeling, therefore, was that the teams took a step backwards in order to be able to heavily criticize the International Federation staff. And Stella, usually calm in his comments, immediately brought to the fore a theme, that of performance, which has caused much discussion in the paddock in recent months.

There was a fear of seeing Frankestein single-seaters capable of delivering over 1,000 horsepower at certain times compared to cars that could have half the power if their hydro battery was flat.

The team managers, in fact, have called a meeting for today in the Montreal paddock to discuss the hot topics of the 2026 rules that have made practically everyone wrinkle their noses.

How much will the new F1 cars risk being slower per lap with a reduction in downforce estimated at 30% and 55% less aerodynamic drag compared to the current cars?

The first simulations performed on the 2026 models have shown that the 2026 single-seaters could be slightly faster than the F2s and, if this were true, it would be essential to find the right corrective measures because F1 must represent the pinnacle of motor racing and cannot be overtaken from other existing categories such as IndyCar or the Japanese SuperFormula.

FIA 2026 F1 car rendering

Photo by: FIA

Stella has no doubts: “We need to find a balance between the low cornering speeds and the peak speeds on the straight. We are still far from being able to achieve the objectives and shared intentions that were sought with the new regulation.”

“The time has come for the FIA, F1 and the teams to work together again to help find a solution that allows us to achieve those objectives we wanted to achieve.

“I think if we achieve these goals, we will have F1 in good shape. But we need to make sure that when it comes time to implement, we actually deliver a product that meets those targets and objectives.”