McLaren point to 'disruptive' regulations in F1 driver assessment

McLaren's team principal Andrea Stella highlighted the challenges posed by the new regulations in Formula 1, describing them as 'disruptive' for drivers. He praised Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for their adaptability amidst significant changes to aerodynamic and power unit regulations in the 2026 season. Many drivers have found it necessary to adjust their driving styles to optimize performance with the new cars.

The introduction of a more powerful electrical output in the new power units has added complexity to the drivers' learning process, particularly due to initial reliability issues. Despite these challenges, Stella expressed confidence in his drivers' commitment and performance, emphasizing ongoing collaboration with their technical partners to enhance the interaction between the drivers and the power units.