McLaren is adjusting its development strategy for the 2026 Formula 1® car, with the team expecting to introduce the first results of this new approach during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend. This shift aims to address the performance gap that has emerged compared to key rivals such as Ferrari and Mercedes.
Following a less-than-expected weekend at the British Grand Prix, where Lando Norris finished fourth in the race and third in the Sprint, and Oscar Piastri faced challenges including first-lap contact that affected his race result, McLaren’s Team Principal Andrea Stella acknowledged the need for a change in development direction. The team is currently trailing Ferrari and Mercedes by around half a second in pace, a gap that reflects the impact of last year’s focus on the 2023 car and title fight, which diverted resources away from the 2026 project.
Stella confirmed that McLaren is now redirecting its aerodynamic development concepts for the 2026 car. This process involves significant changes that typically require one to two months before tangible improvements can be seen on track. The team plans to start rolling out upgrades at the Hungarian Grand Prix, with further updates scheduled before and after the summer break.
McLaren’s recent performance highlights the challenge of balancing current season competitiveness with longer-term development goals. While the British Grand Prix results did not meet the team’s expectations, the strategic shift aims to close the gap to their main rivals through sustained aerodynamic improvements. The Hungarian Grand Prix will provide the first opportunity to assess the impact of these changes in a race environment.
Andrea Stella expressed confidence that the team’s redirected upgrade approach will help narrow the deficit over the coming races. However, the development cycle means that progress will be gradual rather than immediate. Maintaining a consistent upgrade path remains a priority for McLaren as they seek to enhance the 2026 car’s performance.
The competitive context includes strong performances from Ferrari and Mercedes, who currently hold a pace advantage, as well as ongoing challenges from Red Bull Racing and drivers like Max Verstappen. McLaren’s drivers, Norris and Piastri, continue to play key roles in providing feedback and adapting to the evolving car specifications.
This development phase underscores the complexities teams face in Formula 1®, balancing present results with future competitiveness. McLaren’s approach reflects a measured response to the current performance gap, with cautious optimism about the benefits of their revised upgrade strategy as the season progresses.
