McLaren is bringing additional updates to tackle one of Formula 1’s most demanding tracks, Spa-Francorchamps, ahead of the 2026 F1 Belgian GP.
The Woking outfit is entering Belgium with multiple upgrades for the weekend. Looking to build on its development programme, McLaren is introducing a new rear wing package while continuing to evaluate improvements to the MCL40 following a tough outing at Silverstone.
The team has recently completed comprehensive simulation work to prepare for one of the most technically demanding races of the season, with the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps long full-throttle sections placing substantial emphasis on energy management.
McLaren to test a revised rear wing on the MCL40 for 2026 F1 Belgian GP
Technical Director of Applied Engineering Neil Houldey thinks the new rear wing represents another step in the car’s planned development. However, he has tempered expectations following the team’s recent struggles for outright pace.
“Our preparation has been thorough, using extensive simulation work to get ahead of what we know will be a very demanding weekend for energy management,” said Houldey.
Furthermore, as part of its ongoing development programme, McLaren will trial a revised rear wing on both their cars during Friday’s practice sessions at Spa-Francorchamps before determining how to proceed for the rest of the weekend.
“We’re arriving at Spa with a new rear wing assembly, an upgrade we’ve had in the pipeline as part of the car’s development pathway. We’re confident that this update will add a bit of performance to our car, but we are fully aware that after a difficult British Grand Prix, mainly in terms of pure performance, even this round won’t be that easy, so we won’t be expecting any big change in terms of competitiveness.”
New Mercedes ICE specification for McLaren
The team will also fit both cars with their third Mercedes-supplied internal combustion engine (ICE) of the season. The latest specification incorporates reliability-focused changes that first appeared on the Mercedes works cars in the 2026 Austrian GP, before Williams and Alpine also fitted them at Silverstone.
Spa to be demanding on energy management
With rain currently forecast for the 2026 Belgium GP, varying weather conditions could also provide the Woking-based team with a valuable opportunity to gather additional data on the MCL40.
Houdley also expects the circuit to be one of the most energy-limited venues on the calendar, with significant levels of “super clip” likely to play a key role throughout the lap.
“The Belgian Grand Prix is going to be incredibly challenging from an energy management perspective; it’s one of the most energy-starved tracks on the calendar. We anticipate seeing a significant amount of super clip, which will test both the car and the drivers.
“Furthermore, the forecast looks unpredictable. While wet weather presents its own difficulties, we see it as a valuable opportunity to finally potentially run this car in the wet and understand its behaviour in low-grip conditions, which could provide crucial data for the rest of the season.”
