McLaren pushes upgrades to close 154-point F1 gap to Mercedes
McLaren is deploying a major upgrade package across the Belgian and Hungarian Grands Prix to rescue its title defence, while constructors' leaders Mercedes battle to resolve costly reliability failures.
McLaren will introduce a new rear wing and an updated Mercedes power unit for this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix, with a more comprehensive set of aerodynamic upgrades scheduled for the following race in Hungary. Both MCL40 race cars will run a new internal combustion engine, the third of the season, featuring updated specifications aimed specifically at improving reliability.
The reigning constructors' champions have struggled to defend their title, sitting 154 points behind Mercedes after nine rounds. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have largely been unable to match the pace of their rivals, with Norris securing the team's only podium in the last five races by finishing third in Barcelona.
The team is managing expectations for Spa-Francorchamps. Technical director Neil Houldey warned the team is "not expecting any big change" in competitiveness this weekend. He stated the rear wing will "add a bit of performance" but acknowledged that after a difficult British Grand Prix, closing the gap will not be easy.
McLaren's technical push arrives as their engine supplier faces its own mounting problems. Despite holding a 78-point lead over Ferrari in the constructors' standings, Mercedes has squandered significant points through mechanical failures in recent rounds.
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli retired in Barcelona due to an engine failure and lost a likely victory at Silverstone after a wheel-guard failure. Teammate George Russell also retired from the lead in Canada with an engine issue, highlighting a fragility in an otherwise dominant car.
Team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged the urgency of fixing these issues before the four-week summer shutdown. "Reliability issues have cost us points, and in a championship this competitive, that is something we cannot afford," Wolff said. He added that the team wants to head into the break on a "stronger note" because they have "left too much on the table recently."
The back-to-back races in Belgium and Hungary represent the final competitive action before the sport pauses, resuming with the Dutch Grand Prix in late August. Both outfits are under immediate pressure to maximise their results and establish momentum before the factory shutdowns begin.
