Mercedes Leads 2026 F1 Shakedown as McLaren Targets Power Unit

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has highlighted the new power unit and driver-adjustable features as critical areas for the team to unlock performance gains under Formula 1's overhauled 2026 regulations, following an impressive early showing from Mercedes during preseason shakedown testing in Barcelona last week.

The Barcelona session at the Circuit de Catalunya marked the first significant on-track running for the new generation of cars, which feature smaller chassis, revised aerodynamics and power units that evenly split energy between combustion and electric sources. This represents the most substantial regulatory shift since the introduction of V6 hybrid engines in 2014, surpassing even the transition to ground-effect aerodynamics in 2022. Stella noted that the change is more pronounced than previous evolutions, with power units and tires undergoing major alterations for the first time in years.

Mercedes emerged as the standout performer, completing over 500 laps across three days with drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, covering distances equivalent to two-and-a-half grand prix races per day. Their reliability and pace in the cold Spanish conditions prompted...