McLaren has chosen to maintain its development focus on the 2026 Formula 1® car throughout the current season, rather than shifting entirely to the 2027 car. This approach reflects the team’s strategy to improve performance in the remaining races while gathering valuable data that could benefit next year’s car, despite the significant regulation changes coming in 2027.
At the start of the 2026 season, McLaren found itself trailing behind key rivals due to a delayed development focus on the new car, as the team had been defending its 2025 title challenge. However, the introduction of notable upgrades during the season, including a revised floor and an updated front wing, has contributed to better performance. These improvements were highlighted by Lando Norris securing his first win of the campaign in Hungary. Despite this progress, McLaren remains 159 points behind the championship leader Mercedes and is unlikely to defend the title this year.
Neil Houldey, McLaren’s technical director for engineering, explained that the team intends to continue developing the 2026 car late into the season. He noted that the lessons learned from this year’s car will be valuable for the 2027 car’s development, even though the latter will feature a different design concept, including a longer wheelbase and altered suspension. The 2027 regulation changes, such as a shorter front bib, will influence car design and performance, but insights from the current car’s development remain relevant.
Unlike some teams that have shifted their focus early to the 2027 car, McLaren is aiming to maximize performance gains in the remaining races of 2026 while preparing for the next season. The team has also incorporated innovations observed in rival cars, such as the upside-down rear wing concept first introduced by Ferrari during 2026 winter testing. Houldey pointed out that the 2026 regulations offer more aerodynamic freedom than initially expected, which has led to a variety of design concepts across the grid.
McLaren’s approach reflects a balance between immediate competitiveness and long-term development. While the team is not currently in a position to challenge for the championship, ongoing upgrades aim to reduce the performance gap and provide a solid foundation for the 2027 car. The technical insights gained this season are expected to inform design decisions despite the regulatory shifts that will reshape car architecture next year.
This strategy underscores McLaren’s commitment to continuous improvement within the constraints of evolving regulations. By maintaining development momentum on the 2026 car, the team hopes to extract as much performance as possible while preparing for the challenges posed by the 2027 season’s new technical framework.