Stella Sees More Mercedes Development Ahead
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella expects Mercedes to introduce further upgrades to its W17 despite cost cap constraints cited by Toto Wolff. Stella points to a three million dollar allowance tied to 2027 power unit regulations that teams can apply in 2026 reporting. He believes Mercedes will convert wind tunnel gains into track upgrades.
Stella Rejects Wolff Budget Claims
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has dismissed claims from Mercedes counterpart Toto Wolff that cost cap rules prevent further development of the W17. Stella stated he does not believe the assertion and anticipates additional upgrades.[1]
Stella highlighted an extra three million dollar allowance available to all teams in 2026 cost cap reporting due to 2027 power unit regulation changes. He argued this provides room for Mercedes to accelerate development.[2]
The McLaren principal noted rivals have elevated performance levels. He suggested Mercedes development work already underway in the wind tunnel will reach the track.[1]
Context at Monza
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclarens-andrea-stella-sceptical-about-mercedes-car-budget-claims-i-would-like-to-believe-you-but-i/10849485/ https://racer.com/2026/08/28/stella-rejects-wolff-claim-that-mercedes-can-t-afford-f1-car-developments
Related reading
- [1]Andrea Stella casts doubt on Mercedes' claim it can't afford F1 upgrades: "I actually don't believe you" (motorsport). Accessed 2026-08-28.
- [2]Stella rejects Wolff claim that Mercedes can't afford F1 car developments (racer). Accessed 2026-08-28.