From Autosport · Stuart Codling · · 1m 20s
McLaren Aims for Final F1 2026 Upgrades
McLaren targets final 2026 F1 upgrades to boost competitiveness after mid-season struggles.
In brief
McLaren targets final 2026 F1 upgrades to boost competitiveness after mid-season struggles. McLaren aims to complete final 2026 F1 upgrades to improve lap times and podium chances after mid-season challenges. Originally reported by Autosport.
McLaren's 2026 Upgrade Strategy
McLaren introduced first elements of final 2026 upgrade package for US GP.
“To get the car to be quick, we just have to try so hard to be perfect, and you cannot be perfect”
Mid-Season Performance Challenges
McLaren's MCL40 struggles with straightline speed and slow-corner performance despite mid-season wins.
“We're just a step behind”
Driver Feedback on Car Handling
Lando Norris described MCL40 as 'on a knife edge' requiring precise driving to avoid losing control.
“It's just on a knife edge on every single corner”
Slow-Corner Performance Issues
McLaren's car lacks sufficient grip for slow corners despite Norris's adaptive driving style.
“You've got to drive it within an exact percent”
Suspension Geometry Adjustments
McLaren revised front-end geometry and diffuser furniture for improved slow-corner performance.
“It's understood that the next phase of the upgrade will be applied in Brazil”
Upcoming Upgrade Timeline
McLaren plans to apply final upgrades in Brazil and Las Vegas GP races by September.
“The new components McLaren will bring to the car in the coming races were signed off between the Dutch GP in late August and the Italian GP in the first week of September”
2027 Car Development Focus
McLaren has fully focused on 2027 car design since April interregnum due to canceled races.
“Insiders say the team identified a new aerodynamic direction during the April interregnum”
Previous Upgrade Challenges
McLaren's 2026 upgrades initially showed minimal lap time improvements but laid groundwork for future gains.
“The step in Baku wasn't expected to be big, but it was foundational for some stuff that we will start taking trackside as of Austin”
Team's Next Steps
McLaren aims to return to podium finishes with full 2026 upgrade package by Las Vegas GP.
“We will be having some more upgrades coming for the final part of the season”
The bottom line
McLaren aims to complete final 2026 F1 upgrades to improve lap times and podium chances after mid-season challenges.
