Andrea Stella has confirmed that McLaren is still dealing with tyre graining limitations early in the 2026 Formula 1 season, identifying it as a key factor preventing the team from consistently matching Mercedes and Ferrari.
On outright pace, the MCL40 has emerged as the third-fastest package, but results have not fully reflected that potential due to early-season setbacks. Oscar Piastri was unable to start in Melbourne, while both Piastri and Lando Norris failed to take the start in China due to power unit issues. These incidents significantly impacted McLaren’s points tally in the opening rounds.
Performance improved in Japan, where Piastri challenged at the front and briefly led the race after a strong launch from third on the grid. However, race strategy dynamics during the safety car phase benefited Kimi Antonelli, ultimately compromising McLaren’s chances of securing a stronger result.
Data analysis indicates that Ferrari retains an advantage through cornering phases, particularly in generating consistent mechanical and aerodynamic grip. This suggests that McLaren’s chassis characteristics are not yet fully optimised to maximise tyre performance, especially under conditions that trigger front-end graining.
Graining remains a critical performance variable, as it directly affects lap time consistency and tyre degradation across a stint. Stella acknowledged that McLaren appears more susceptible to this phenomenon compared to its direct rivals, except at circuits like Suzuka where track characteristics place less stress on the front tyres.
In contrast, McLaren benefits from a competitive power unit supplied by Mercedes High Performance Powertrains, delivering strong efficiency and straight-line speed. However, this advantage has not been sufficient to offset deficits in cornering performance and tyre management.
The team’s development focus is now firmly directed at improving chassis performance, aiming to enhance load distribution and maintain consistent grip over race distance. This objective is central to reducing the gap to Mercedes and Ferrari, as McLaren seeks to establish a more competitive baseline heading into the upcoming rounds.
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