Welcome at RacingNews365

Become part of the largest racing community in the United Kingdom. Create your free account now!

  • Share your thoughts and opinions about F1
  • Win fantastic prizes
  • Get access to our premium content
  • Take advantage of more exclusive benefits
Sign in
McLaren

McLaren call for action over 'dangerous' F1 power units

McLaren team boss Andrea Stella wants to see the current power units change to address a key safety issue.

Norris Bahrain Day 2 Afternoon
Article
To news overview © XPBimages

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.

Also interesting:

In this video, we explore a fascinating Mercedes engine theory that is engulfing the F1 paddock. We break down how it works, why it matters, and why this advantage — if real — may be brilliant, legal… but only temporary.

Don't miss out on any of the Formula 1 action thanks to this handy 2026 F1 calendar that can be easily loaded into your smartphone or PC.

Download the calender

Join the conversation!

Never miss a thing from the Formula 1 season! Add the 2026 F1 schedule to your calendar at the touch of a button. Subscribe below and put the dates and times of every race directly on your PC or smartphone, so you don't miss a second from the new season.

Download the F1 calendar Download the F1 calendar

A variant with just the race and qualifying is also available.
Click here to download it..

F1 calendar 2026
Race Date
aus GP Australië 08 Mar 2026
chn GP China 15 Mar 2026
jpn GP Japan 29 Mar 2026
bhr GP Bahrein 12 Apr 2026
sau GP Saoedi-Arabië 19 Apr 2026
usa GP Miami 03 May 2026
Full calendar
x
LATEST Red Bull confirm problem with 2026 F1 car