Mar.9 (GMM) McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has admitted his team were left struggling to predict and develop their car in Melbourne because of insufficient information from Mercedes about their shared power unit – a rare public acknowledgement of the pitfalls of being a customer team in Formula 1’s most complex regulatory era.
“Discussions about getting more complete information from the Mercedes engine department lasted several weeks,” Stella said at the end of the 2026 season opener.
“Even during testing, we’d go out on the track, start the car, look at the data, and say, ‘Oh, that’s what we have. Okay, now we need to react.’
“That’s not how it works in Formula 1.”
“We’re a customer-focused team, but this is the first time we’ve felt at a disadvantage when it comes to predicting and improving a car’s performance,” he added.
The admission came after McLaren finished as arguably the slowest of the top four teams in Melbourne.
George Russell was unapologetic on behalf of the works squad. “Last year we had the same engine as McLaren and they did a better job than us and they beat us,” said the new world championship leader, who won on Sunday from pole.
“Now McLaren have got the same engine as us, and so far we’ve done a better job than them. That’s just how the game goes.”
The information gap may also help explain Oscar Piastri’s race-ending crash on the laps to the grid, which ended his home grand prix before it began.
The Australian said an unexpected torque spike caught him out. “I had about 100kW extra power that I didn’t expect, which is not insignificant – 100kW more than I’ve had for the whole weekend at the point that I shifted.”
He admitted he perhaps should not have ridden the kerb, while Stella said the precise combination of factors had not been anticipated.
“We may have seen some similar circumstances in testing, but we didn’t have the combination of cold tyres and kerb, which exacerbated the fact that you can have these inconsistencies in torque distribution in the grip-limited phases.”
The Indianapolis 500 is an American tradition, and the 2026 race marks the 110th year of this historic event. Guests of Grand Prix Tours will enjoy premium accommodations, options for exclusive suite access, and unforgettable race-day experiences, including a police escort to the track. Highlights include visits to the newly renovated Indy 500 Museum, Gasoline Alley, and the Dallara IndyCar Factory, plus patriotic pre-race festivities like the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana.” Join us for our 41st trip to the legendary Indy 500!
SHOW PACKAGES
The Monaco Grand Prix, often called the crown jewel of Formula 1, is one of the most prestigious races in the world and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Starting in 2026, the race will move from May to June to better align with the F1 schedule, placing the Canadian Grand Prix earlier in the season. Grand Prix Tours has taken care of all of the details and has arranged an amazing motorsports vacation. Call 949 719 3350 to book your trip or to contact us with any questions.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, a fan favorite on the F1 calendar. The city comes alive for race week packed with energy, events, and unforgettable nightlife. This year, the action shifts to Memorial Day weekend (late May), part of F1’s new, eco-friendly schedule. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the atmosphere where motorsport meets Montreal magic. Book your spot now this one sells out fast!
SHOW PACKAGES