# McLaren Phases Upgrades for 2026

> McLaren plans phased car upgrades to close gap with top teams and prepare for 2026 F1 season.
- Title: McLaren Phases Upgrades for 2026 · Motorsport | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: mclaren, aerodynamic upgrades, 2026 f1 season, formula 1, oscar piastri, lando norris, andrea stella, sports, cars, Phases, Upgrades, 2026
- Source: Motorsport — https://motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-to-phase-upgrades-for-2026-fight-and-next-years-f1-development/10864787
- Author: Alex Harrington
- Published: 2026-10-13T00:35:03+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mclaren, f1, aerodynamic upgrades, 2026 f1 season, formula 1, oscar piastri, lando norris, andrea stella, sports, cars
## 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.
## Key takeaway

McLaren will phase aerodynamic upgrades to compete for podiums this season and target next year's F1 car development.