As the 2026 Formula 1 season looms with uncertainties, McLaren has made the strategic decision not to run its MCL40 on the first day of winter testing in Barcelona. This bold option aims to maximize the development time of their car, as the Woking team knows that every minute counts in this race for innovation.
A Well-Thought-Out Strategy
The new regulations for the 2026 season offer Formula 1 teams three winter testing sessions. The first, taking place from January 26 to 30 at the Barcelona circuit, will be strictly private. Indeed, no media or spectators will be allowed on site, promising a conducive environment for concentration for the teams.
Each team can participate in three of the five testing days, with the freedom to choose their slots based on the weather. However, McLaren has already confirmed that it will not be on track on the first day. This absence, far from being due to a delay, rather reflects a desire to optimize the development of its new car, which will need to defend the two titles won last year.
A Return to Basics
In the days leading up to this first day, the team will transport its MCL40 from the AVL facilities in Graz, Austria. AVL, known for its expertise in testing vehicles, engines, and components, has played a key role in the development of the car. Once at the Catalan circuit, McLaren plans to run during three of the last four testing days with a provisional livery. The official presentation, featuring the final version of the car, will take place on February 9.
Before that, a shakedown will be organized, an essential promotional shoot to ensure that all basic systems are functioning correctly. Andrea Stella, the team principal, stated: “We plan to start testing either on the second day or the third day.”
A Deliberate Choice by McLaren
Andrea Stella fully supports the decision not to run on the first day of testing in Barcelona. He explained that the dynamic nature of the design process for this 2026 season allows McLaren to discover performance gains almost daily. This has led the team to wait until the last moment to hit the track.
While some teams like Audi, Cadillac, Racing Bulls, and Alpine have already completed their shakedown and could be ready from the first day, Stella warns of the risks involved. According to him, this could force teams to prematurely commit to certain design paths and hinder development in those areas. A risk that McLaren prefers to avoid.
“In fact, it has always been plan A [not to run on the first day],” he added. “The regulatory change is so significant that there is no need to be the first on track.” For McLaren, the stakes are clear: maximize every day of development to add a bit more performance.
The Stakes of Controlled Development
Stella emphasizes the importance of balancing development time and final performance. “If you are on track early, you certainly have the assurance of knowing what you need to know as soon as possible, but it also means that you may have committed relatively early in terms of design.” This trade-off is crucial in a world where every millisecond can make a difference.
The team wants to launch its car with the most competitive configuration possible. “We felt it was important to launch the car with the most competitive package and configuration possible.” By pushing all deadlines to their limit, McLaren hopes to give its MCL40 a decisive advantage from its first outings.
A Cautious Yet Ambitious Start
McLaren thus chooses caution for this season’s start. By refraining from running on the first day, the team aims to maximize its potential and hit the track with a perfectly honed vehicle. This choice reflects a thoughtful strategy and a desire for innovation in an environment where competition is fiercer than ever.
While other teams are busy fine-tuning their cars from the first day, McLaren is betting on a different approach. For them, every day counts, and every technical advancement must be fully exploited before facing others on the track. This season promises to be exciting, and it will be interesting to see if this strategy pays off.
So, let’s meet in Barcelona to see if this boldness will be rewarded, or if McLaren will need to adjust its course against increasingly formidable competition on the asphalt.
