McLaren flags potential performance game-changer in new F1 regulations

The McLaren team principal, speaking via the team’s official website, noted why the new regulations remain in their preliminary phase, the new power unit dynamics, and other driver-adjustable options could be potential performance differentiators.

“Although these are very preliminary indications, I believe that one of the areas where there is great room for improvement is in exploiting the new power unit and all the options available to the driver. There is also a lot of potential to be extracted in terms of managing the variable aerodynamic configuration, referring to the alternation between Corner and Straight Mode,” Stella explained.

Stella continued by emphasising that this generation of F1 cars is still in the early stages of development.

Stella’s words echo those of Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who has expressed excitement about the new power unit dynamics and the crucial role of driver input in determining performance this season.

Earlier, McLaren driver Lando Norris stressed that he expects the new generation of F1 cars to hit record speeds this season.

The world champion highlighted how powerful the cars feel before stating his belief that they could reach speeds of up to 380 kph. For context, the highest top speed reached by an F1 car so far remains 378 kph, achieved by Valtteri Bottas at the 2016 European Grand Prix.