Every session, every upgrade, every rumour checked.
McLaren transitioned to a push-rod front suspension for the MCL40 to accommodate 2026 aerodynamic regulations. Chief designer Rob Marshall notes the new front wing real estate allows wishbones to manage airflow more effectively than the previous pull-rod setup.
Breaking from the paddock
FIA regulations for 2026 aim to achieve 90% downforce retention behind lead cars by managing tyre wake through new wheel covers and inwash sidepod boards. These technical changes target the dirty air problems that caused performance decay in previous racing cycles.
2026 World Championship
| Pos | Driver | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andrea Kimi Antonelli | 320 |
| 2 | George Russell | 236 |
| 3 | Lewis Hamilton | 214 |
| 4 | Charles Leclerc | 191 |
| 5 | Lando Norris | 188 |
| 6 | Max Verstappen | 188 |
| 7 | Oscar Piastri | 128 |
| 8 | Isack Hadjar | 96 |
| 9 | Liam Lawson | 65 |
| 10 | Pierre Gasly | 41 |
| Pos | Team | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mercedes-AMG Petronas | 556 |
| 2 | Scuderia Ferrari | 405 |
| 3 | McLaren Racing | 316 |
| 4 | Red Bull Racing | 298 |
| 5 | Racing Bulls | 90 |
| 6 | Alpine F1 Team | 68 |
| 7 | Haas F1 Team | 27 |
| 8 | Audi Revolut F1 Team | 17 |
| 9 | Williams F1 Team | 12 |
| 10 | Aston Martin F1 Team | 7 |
Beyond the lap times
The Williams FW48 struggles with a heavy 772.4 kg chassis in high-downforce sectors, while the Adrian Newey-designed Aston Martin AMR26 utilizes active aerodynamics to excel on the long Turn 12 straight. This technical divergence will dictate overtaking opportunities at the Austin circuit.
Aero, power units, rules
The 350kW MGU-K introduces massive retarding torque to the rear axle, requiring a brake-by-wire system to adjust mechanical caliper pressure. This algorithm maintains consistent rear braking force by compensating for electrical harvesting to prevent instability.
In their own words
