Formula 1, Sportrik Media - McLaren team principal Andrea Stella believes Formula 1 can expect changes during the 2026 season, particularly aimed at improving the quality and challenge of qualifying under the new regulations.
Teams are set to meet with the FIA and Formula One Management during an unplanned gap between the Japanese and Miami Grands Prix. The discussions will focus on the early implementation of the 2026 rules, which have increased overtaking but also drawn criticism for how the new power units are influencing both racing and qualifying.
Stella highlighted qualifying as a priority area for refinement, stressing the need to ensure drivers can push at maximum performance over a full lap rather than being constrained by energy management limitations such as mid-lap battery recharging or “super-clipping” affecting top speeds.
“I cannot say whether the solutions will be implemented for Miami or later,” Stella said.
“But I think there will be adjustments made in 2026 to improve how we utilise what’s available in the power unit, so that the challenge and excitement of qualifying are retained for both drivers and spectators.”
He emphasized that discussions among teams and governing bodies have been constructive, with a shared willingness to identify issues and implement solutions.
“When we had the last F1 Commission, the attitude from all parties was very constructive,” he explained.
“It wasn’t difficult to identify the areas to work on, and everyone is coming with the intention to find solutions and implement them.”
Stella also downplayed the role of political dynamics in the process, suggesting that the main challenge lies in the technical execution of any changes within the current regulatory framework.
“I don’t think it will be a political game. It’s more of a technical challenge—how you adapt what’s available in the current regulations to ensure qualifying retains its competitive elements,” he added.
“You should be rewarded for attacking high-speed corners or getting on the throttle earlier, not penalised because you used your battery too early and lose performance later on the straight.”
The first meeting is scheduled for April 9, with the 2026 season set to resume at the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.
As Formula 1 evaluates the early impact of its new regulations, the upcoming discussions are expected to play a key role in balancing technical innovation with the preservation of competitive integrity, particularly in one-lap performance scenarios.
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