McLaren to phase upgrades for 2026 fight and next year's F1 development

Motorsport.com reports that McLaren is planning to implement a series of upgrades for the 2026 Formula 1 season, with the aim of closing the performance gap between the team and the leading cars on the grid. Team principal Andrea Stella revealed these plans following the Singapore Grand Prix, where the reigning champion Lando Norris described the McLaren as "just full on and mentally draining" due to the demanding nature of driving the car.

Stella acknowledged the team's current lack of performance compared to rivals such as Red Bull, who have recently introduced successful upgrades. However, he emphasized that the recent podium finishes in Singapore were in line with expectations. He also highlighted that the team's competitive position against other manufacturers is narrowing, with Red Bull currently leading the championship by a margin of three-tenths of a second.

Stella stated that the upcoming upgrades are intended to enhance the car's competitiveness and allow McLaren to challenge for podium finishes on merit, with the potential to secure victories in the final races of the season.

The phased approach to upgrading the McLaren's aerodynamic concepts is crucial for the team's strategy. Stella explained that this strategy will allow the team to test and refine fundamental aerodynamic concepts that will carry over to the next year's car. While the success of these upgrades remains uncertain, McLaren's history of effective upgrades gives confidence in their ability to deliver results.