McLaren call for action over 'dangerous' F1 power units

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella is keen to see F1 implement quick fixes to the new power units after identifying an issue he sees as “dangerous”.

F1 is currently in its pre-season period, preparing for the season ahead with one final three-day test taking place this week.

The teams are putting the new-for-2026 power units through their pace as they come to grips with the major regulation change.

Drivers have already discovered that the cars are being driven in a much different way to the past, largely due to the increase in electrical output which now matches the internal combustion engine.

One method they are using to recover energy is lifting off the throttle long before the braking zone - but Stella believes this could create a dangerous situation during grands prix.

“There are simple technical solutions that can fix it - the necessity to lift and coast,” Stella told media including RacingNews365.

“This can raise situations which are dangerous for the car that follows.”

Other concerns that have been raised include how long it takes the cars to get into a position to launch off the line on the starting grid.

Stella insisted that implementing measures that are in the interest of safety is far more important than the potential performance impact they could have.

“We're not talking about how fast you are in qualifying, we are not talking about 'what is your race pace?',” he said.

“We are talking about safety on the grid. There are some topics which are simply bigger than the competitive interest.

“Having safety on the grid, which can be achieved with a simple adjustment, it's just a no-brainer. It's just a bigger interest.