McLaren has announced plans to introduce further upgrades to its 2026 Formula 1 car at the Brazilian and Las Vegas Grands Prix.
Team principal Andrea Stella confirmed that additional developments are scheduled for both events, although McLaren expects to make only minor changes to its machinery at this weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix.
“There will be some more stuff coming,” Stella said.
“I think ultimately we will only be able to do so across Brazil and Vegas. So Mexico there won’t be very much, but Brazil and Vegas there will be some upgrades.
“Hopefully, this will help us to, like I said before, to be consistently in the fight for podiums and hopefully start to lean on the level of competitiveness that is required to fight for the victory.”
The team appeared to have recovered from its difficult start to the campaign after a substantial upgrade package arrived at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Lando Norris subsequently claimed successive victories in Budapest and Zandvoort, suggesting McLaren had restored its position among the leading contenders.
However, its form has since deteriorated, with the team falling to fourth in the Constructors’ Championship. Red Bull’s resurgence has added to McLaren’s difficulties, leaving the reigning champions struggling to match their rivals’ pace of development.
Oscar Piastri believes the team’s recent modifications have delivered the improvements expected, but acknowledged that competing outfits have made greater strides. The Australian has also endured a prolonged spell without a podium, having last finished in the top three at the Miami Grand Prix in May.
“I don’t think we’re massively strong at the moment,” Piastri said.
“Obviously, we had a few upgrades this weekend, which are doing what we expect, but clearly the teams around us are adding performance to the car.
“It looks like Mercedes are much more on top of their upgrades now. The Red Bull is obviously quick, and Ferrari has some upgrades as well.
“So yeah, we’ve got to keep pushing. But none of these upgrades are really making the car easier to drive, which is kind of our biggest problem.”
