McLaren is heading into the 2026 F1 season on the back of two consecutive title triumphs. The Woking-based squad ended a barren spell that dated back to 1998 when it won the constructors’ championship in 2024. In 2025, it clinched both championships as Lando Norris won the title in the last race as well.
In 2026, we have a new era. There will be new cars, and there will be a new power unit as well. If the rumors are accurate, McLaren is not going to find itself in a position where it would be caught off guard in terms of having a competitive power unit. At the same time, since 1994, no reigning champion has clinched the constructors’ championship the year in which the regulations changed.
With that being said, as we get ready for 2026, what can we expect from the team? Let’s try to break it down in our preview for the team’s campaign in the new regulations.
2026 F1 McLaren Preview
What works for them?
The key to where McLaren excelled in the previous regulations was not necessarily the fact that it had the best power unit. It excelled in how it was able to understand the regulations and then build a car that worked perfectly within parameters.
The ground effect era had one of the toughest challenges when it came to building the fastest possible car. That’s where McLaren aced it. Heading into 2026, the team has the best aerodynamic unit, and you should expect them to be there or thereabouts.
If the Mercedes power unit is as rumored, it puts the team in a strong position with some key personnel working on the car.
What doesn’t?
While having a Mercedes power unit is a blessing, it also presents a challenge for the team, as the German squad will have the works status. While there are regulations in place that would help with the transparency in terms of whatever information is needed to optimize the power unit, it is safe to assume that Mercedes would still hold an edge when it comes to optimizing its power unit.
If reports are true, then the power unit should bring Mercedes into the picture. For McLaren, being a custom might end up being a major deterrent for its championship prospects.
Predictions for 2026?
It shouldn’t be much of a leap to pick the reigning constructors’ champions as favorites, especially since the power unit should be fine.
The problem, however, is that there are still seemingly some questions around the team that stem from the relative inexperience of the outfit. The team might have a rich heritage, but the current squad only has the success of the last couple of years to look back on.
Should McLaren be considered one of the teams that could fight for the title in 2026? Yes. But does it mean that this team is the favorite? No.
While it might come as a surprise, heading into 2026, the reigning champion would not be the favorite for the championship.
Edited by Charanjot Singh Kohli
