McLaren Confirms Major Upgrades for Belgium-Hungary Double-Header

McLaren will bring a new rear wing to this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix and a more substantial upgrade package to next week's Hungarian Grand Prix as the reigning constructors' champions fight to rescue their 2026 campaign. The team trails Mercedes by 154 points after nine rounds with just one podium in the last five races.

Why it matters:

The Woking squad risks being cut adrift if it cannot unlock the MCL40's potential before Formula 1's summer break. With Ferrari also outpacing them, the Belgium-Hungary double-header represents McLaren's final chance to stabilize its season before the four-week shutdown.

The details:

• Spa: A new rear wing will run in Friday practice before a potential race-weekend introduction. Both cars will also receive their third Mercedes ICE of the year, featuring revised specifications aimed at improving reliability.
• Hungary: McLaren is billing the following round as the true turning point with a "significant upgrade package" expected to deliver a meaningful performance step.
• Expectations: Technical director Neil Houldey tempered hopes for Spa, admitting the team is not anticipating a major leap in competitiveness immediately.

The big picture:

While McLaren searches for answers, Mercedes enters the double-header with a commanding 78-point lead over Ferrari. Toto Wolff has warned his squad to tidy up reliability issues that have cost both Kimi Antonelli and George Russell points recently, insisting his team must head into the summer break on a stronger note.