McLaren handling issue may wait until 2027

Autosport and Motorsport.com report McLaren sees no full fix for its car-handling limits before 2027, while current upgrades also inform 2026 work.

McLaren may not be able to fully address its Formula 1 car-handling limitations before 2027, according to reports from Autosport and Motorsport.com. Both outlets reported that team principal Andrea Stella said the issue would require fundamental changes, and that those changes are not expected to be possible until 2027.

That remains reported rather than officially confirmed. Motorsport.com also reported that McLaren wants its current upgrade plan to do two jobs: cut the gap to the front and help the team understand which aerodynamic concept to pursue for the 2026 season.

McLaren remains one of Formula 1’s oldest names. Founder Bruce McLaren made 103 world championship entries from 1958 to 1970, with four wins and 27 podiums, and the latest reports suggest the team is weighing short-term gains against a longer development path.