Technical Regulations
McLaren to skip first day of Barcelona F1 shakedown test
Reported by AI Image generated by AI
McLaren will not participate on the opening day of the Formula 1 Barcelona shakedown test from January 26-30, opting to maximize development time for its 2026 MCL40 car. The team plans to start testing on day two or three, focusing on understanding the new regulations rather than rushing upgrades. Chief designer Rob Marshall indicated no substantial changes are expected before the Australian Grand Prix.
The FIA has updated Formula 1's 2027 technical regulations to prohibit exhaust wings similar to the design Ferrari introduced this season.
Reported by AI
Formula 1's new power units for 2026 are making race starts more difficult, as highlighted during the Bahrain pre-season test. Without the MGU-H component, engines must rev higher and longer to optimize turbo performance, prompting teams to seek regulatory changes. Drivers warn that botched starts could cost multiple positions on the grid.