Andrea Stella issues teams calls to arms to change F1 2026 regulations
Originally published by Motorsportweek
Andrea Stella has outlined his ideal changes to the new Formula 1 regulations ahead of the sport’s return at the Miami Grand Prix.
Stella first spoke out against the new 2026 ruleset in Bahrain, joining other Team Principals in the paddock demanding urgent changes to race start procedures, which was acted on by the FIA.
Following the first three rounds, the FIA is now investigating more sweeping rule changes to counter unforeseen side-effects of the new ruleset.
These include cars slowing down on straights to harvest energy, causing a loss of spectacle in qualifying, and engine modes being overridden by the onboard computers.
Following the initial discussions between the FIA and the teams, changes now look to be on the cards for Miami, with Stella reminding fans why F1 introduced the new rules.
“We are well aware, as Stefano Domenicali reminded us once again in recent days, of how we arrived at the new regulations and how necessary this power unit architecture was to ensure the participation of some of the biggest car manufacturers in Formula 1,” he explained on McLaren’s official website.
“The car regulations were then defined around this PU architecture, with the aim of making the cars lighter and more manoeuvrable, while always bearing in mind two imperatives: ensuring maximum safety and preserving the great racing spectacle we have witnessed in recent years.
“For almost four months now, we have been seeing the fruits of a highly complex conceptual effort. It is complex for the teams, for the drivers and also for the fans.
“In assessing these first few months of the new season and regulations, we must think objectively. If we look first and foremost at the data, we cannot deny that the fans’ reaction has been positive overall, with average approval ratings for the first three races higher than in 2025, not to mention the three sell-outs recorded in Melbourne, Shanghai and Suzuka.
“Television audience figures are also very encouraging, with overall increases all in double figures, between 20 and 30%, as reported to us by F1.”
Andrea Stella reveals ideal changes to regulations
But Stella has also indicated where he wants to see improvements, joining the growing number who want to see a return to qualifying run at full-throttle,
“At the same time, and as we at McLaren have highlighted since the very first tests, there are areas that can be improved to make the rules even better and more effective.
“Meetings are currently taking place between all parties involved, including the drivers who are, ultimately, the stars of this sport, with the aim of determining, under the guidance of the FIA, what and how things can be improved.
“I am thinking, for example, at how we can ensure that driving ‘flat-out’ in qualifying is something properly rewarding for the drivers, but also looking at things with the perspective of safety at how we can make starts and close racing safer.
“We will meet with the FIA and F1 to decide how to implement these potential adjustments. In any case, the sense of responsibility and spirit of collaboration that everyone is demonstrating represent the best response that Formula 1 can give at this moment.”
Stella calling for one, united voice feels like a call to arms for the teams. They have one chance to steady the ship in 2026, and the stakes could not be higher ahead of F1’s return to the Sunshine State.