McLaren could have a significant turnaround in the 2026 Formula 1 season. The British team confirmed it will have a deeply updated MCL40 starting from the Miami GP.
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After winning the drivers’ and constructors’ titles in 2025, and also securing the constructors’ title in 2024, the British team faced difficulties at the start of the current season under the new regulations. The limited performance included low mileage and even a double non-start at the Chinese GP, which increased pressure for a quick reaction.
According to team principal Andrea Stella, the plan was always to introduce a significantly revised car for the North American races: “Our intention was always to bring a completely new car, especially from an aerodynamic point of view, for these stages,” he stated.
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The first sample of evolution already appeared in Japan, where Oscar Piastri contended for victory for much of the race before finishing in second place. The performance encouraged the team to maintain the development schedule.
Stella, however, warned that the competition is also expected to introduce relevant updates during the same period: “We will see a completely new MCL40 between Miami and Canada, but this should apply to most of our competitors. It doesn’t necessarily mean a change in the grid order, but rather who can evolve the most in the same amount of time,” he stated, demonstrating confidence in a more competitive car in the upcoming races.
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