**title**: McLaren's Andrea Stella Calls for Unity and Quick Rule Fixes

summary: McLaren boss Andrea Stella says the 2026 F1 rulebook is evolving. He urges teams and the FIA to unite on fast fixes—to restore flat‑out qualifying and improve start‑line safety—before problems grow.

content:

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella says the 2026 Formula 1 rulebook is still a work in progress. The hybrid power‑unit concept has secured manufacturer buy‑in, but early‑season teething problems have raised safety worries and sparked debate among fans. Stella is urging teams, drivers and the FIA to collaborate on targeted tweaks before the glitches grow.

Why it matters:

The 50/50 combustion‑electric split underpins the sport’s promise of greener racing while keeping the big manufacturers on board. If the rulebook fails to deliver safe, exciting racing, the commercial and reputational stakes for F1 could slip.

The details:

• Qualifying is hampered by automatic engine modes that curb drivers’ ability to go flat‑out, dulling the spectacle.
• Energy‑harvesting on straights has caused cars to lift, creating unpredictable handling and safety concerns.
• Start‑line torque delivery is uneven, leading to a spike in low‑speed incidents during opening laps.
• Fan sentiment is positive – approval scores for the first three races beat 2025 levels – and TV audiences are up 20‑30%, but those gains could erode if on‑track action suffers.

What's next:

Stella says the FIA, teams and drivers will convene in the coming weeks to finalize any mid‑season changes, preserving the hybrid’s environmental goals while restoring pure flat‑out racing. A unified, collaborative approach at Miami could set the tone for the rest of the 2026 season and keep F1’s growth trajectory intact.