Formula One champions McLaren anticipate a defensive start to the season, with Ferrari and Mercedes expected to set the initial pace, according to team boss Andrea Stella.
Mclaren is defending both titles this year after Lando Norris ended Max Verstappen's reign. The Woking-based team aims for a third consecutive constructors' championship.
Stella reported satisfaction with testing, noting significant progress in car speed and reliability. He stated that the "usual suspects" - Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull - remain ahead of the competition, with Ferrari and Mercedes perceived to have a slight edge.
"To use a football metaphor, the first part of the season will see us playing a bit defensively, trying to exploit the counterattack," Stella explained. The MCL40 car will feature minor aerodynamic updates and ongoing work to reduce weight.
Formula One is undergoing a significant regulation shakeup with a new engine and chassis era, increasing the electrical component. Stella acknowledged the potential impact on racing spectacle and fan understanding, calling it the most significant change in decades.