In light of the major changes in Formula 1 this year, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella emphasizes how important it is to explain many things to viewers.
Over the past few weeks and months, there has been repeated talk that 2026 will bring perhaps the biggest rule changes Formula 1 has ever seen. Andrea Stella emphasizes that it is important to explain these changes to fans.
This is because viewers of the premier class will be confronted with numerous new terms this season, such as “overtake mode” and the introduction of new active aerodynamics. All these things could lead to significant changes in racing.
For example, viewers might wonder why one driver was able to overtake another relatively easily, explains Stella. It is possible, for example, that one driver’s battery was empty, which is why he was unable to defend himself. “It is important that viewers understand why these overtaking maneuvers were so easy,” Stella emphasizes. The same applies to active aerodynamics. “It must be clear to our fans and viewers: what does this mean for energy consumption?” “You use a lot more energy if you don’t open the wings,” he explains, adding: “When the wings are not open, the car drives much lower and you suddenly see it touching down.” Things like this also need to be explained to the fans.
After the Formula 1 shakedown in Barcelona, George Russell said of the new cars: “Sometimes you shift down at the end of the straight even though you’re fully on the throttle.” And Esteban Ocon revealed: “During qualifying runs, we do ‘lift and coast’ and things like that.”
Formula 1 will therefore be significantly different in the 2026 season than it has been before. “I think the clearer we communicate all this to the fans and viewers, the more involved they will feel and the more likely we will be able to continue to offer such a spectacular show as we have been able to do in Formula 1 so far,” said Stella.
The McLaren team boss emphasizes: “That’s one of the reasons why Formula 1 has gained so much popularity lately.” That’s why it’s important to accompany viewers well on their way into the new era of the premier class this year.
