From Motorsport · Alex Harrington · · 1m 10s
McLaren Phases Upgrades for 2026
McLaren plans phased car upgrades to close gap with top teams and prepare for 2026 F1 season.
In brief
McLaren plans phased car upgrades to close gap with top teams and prepare for 2026 F1 season. McLaren will phase aerodynamic upgrades to compete for podiums this season and target next year's F1 car development. Originally reported by Motorsport.
McLaren's Upgrade Plan
McLaren aims to close the gap to the front of the grid while preparing for next year's F1 car development.
Team Principal's View
Andrea Stella says McLaren's upgrades will help compete for podiums this season and target next year's aerodynamic concept.
Performance Gap
McLaren's car is the fourth-fastest on the grid but struggles to keep up with Red Bull's recent upgrades.
“Lando Norris said the papaya machinery was the fourth-fastest car on the grid”
Phased Upgrades Strategy
McLaren will deliver upgrades in phases to fill the gap to top teams and test aerodynamic concepts for 2026.
Aerodynamic Development
Two years of development since January 2025 have made aerodynamics complex enough to require testing before next year's car.
Championship Target
McLaren hopes to fight for podiums this season and set a quest to Ferrari in the championship by 2026.
The bottom line
McLaren will phase aerodynamic upgrades to compete for podiums this season and target next year's F1 car development.
