McLaren confirms double Dutch GP upgrade to complete Hungary package

McLaren will introduce a new rear wing and rear brake ducts at the Dutch Grand Prix to complete the upgrade package first seen in Hungary, where Lando Norris claimed his first win of his title defence. The reigning champions are counting on the rear-focused updates to pay dividends at the high-downforce Zandvoort circuit as they look to close the gap to Mercedes in the Constructors' Championship.

Why it matters:

McLaren has largely trailed Mercedes and Ferrari during the 2026 season, making Norris' Budapest breakthrough a pivotal moment for the team. With the championship fight intensifying and 12 races still to run, every upgrade counts as the squad works to extract consistent performance from the MCL40 and erase a 159-point deficit to the leaders.

The Details:

• Team principal Andrea Stella had hinted more was coming from the Hungary package, and technical director Neil Houldey confirmed the Zandvoort updates will focus on the rear of the car.
• McLaren sits third in the Constructors' Championship on 220 points, trailing Mercedes by 159 points at the season's halfway mark.
• Houldey noted that while Hungary provided momentum, rival teams are also expected to bring upgrades, keeping the field tight.
• The team has spent the first part of the year learning how to extract performance from the MCL40 while managing earlier reliability concerns.

What's next:

McLaren faces a steep climb to overturn Mercedes' commanding lead, but completing the Hungary package offers a foundation for greater consistency. Execution will be vital at Zandvoort and beyond if the team is to turn its Budapest breakthrough into a sustained challenge during the final 12 rounds.