McLaren Aims to Boost Aerodynamics During Unexpected F1 Break

Team Principal Andrea Stella sees the five-week gap as a chance to refine the MCL40 and close the gap to rivals Mercedes and Ferrari.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:52am

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Due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the Formula 1 schedule has seen the postponement and likely cancellation of the Bahraini and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix. While this is a setback for teams, McLaren is viewing the unexpected five-week break between the Japanese and Miami races as an opportunity to focus on aerodynamic upgrades for their MCL40 car. Team Principal Andrea Stella, a veteran engineer, is determined to use this time to improve the car's balance and performance before the crucial Miami Grand Prix.

Why it matters

In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, maintaining momentum is crucial. This unexpected break in the schedule could either derail McLaren's season or provide a strategic chance to leap ahead of their rivals Mercedes and Ferrari. By prioritizing aerodynamic upgrades, the team aims to build a more resilient and competitive package that can withstand the pressures of a long season.

The details

McLaren's primary objective during this break is to improve the 'aerodynamic performance' of the MCL40, which often refers to the balance between downforce (grip in corners) and drag (top speed on straights). The mid-season pause allows the engineers to run more wind-tunnel simulations and correlate them with real-world track data without the pressure of a race weekend every two weeks. Beyond the technical work, Team Principal Andrea Stella is also focused on the human element, providing a necessary 'breather' for the personnel group that has been pushed to its limits during the intense start to the season.

  • The Bahraini and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix have been postponed and are likely to be canceled due to geopolitical instability.
  • The unexpected five-week gap is between the Japanese and Miami Grands Prix.

The players

Andrea Stella

The Team Principal and Chief Racing Officer of the McLaren Formula 1 Team. Stella is an aerospace and mechanical engineer who previously held key roles at Ferrari.

Lando Norris

The reigning World Champion who suffered a double DNS (Did Not Start) at the Chinese Grand Prix due to technical failures.

Oscar Piastri

The young Australian driver who also experienced a double DNS at the Chinese Grand Prix alongside his teammate Lando Norris.

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What they’re saying

“We must use this unexpected break to our advantage and focus on improving the aerodynamic performance of the MCL40. This is a crucial window to refine the car and close the gap to our rivals before the crucial Miami Grand Prix.”

— Andrea Stella, Team Principal, McLaren Formula 1 Team

What’s next

The McLaren engineering team will use the five-week break to run extensive wind tunnel simulations and correlate the data with real-world track performance to develop aerodynamic upgrades for the MCL40 ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.

The takeaway

This unexpected break in the Formula 1 calendar presents both a challenge and an opportunity for McLaren. By prioritizing aerodynamic upgrades, the team is aiming to build a more resilient and competitive package that can withstand the pressures of a long season and consistently fight for wins against their rivals Mercedes and Ferrari.