McLaren will introduce minor aerodynamic updates to the MCL40’s rear corners and trial an experimental rear wing during Friday practice at the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend, according to the team’s official race preview published ahead of the event at the Red Bull Ring.
Neil Houldey, McLaren’s Technical Director of Applied Engineering, confirmed the development package and outlined the team’s approach to the Styrian circuit. “We’re always looking to make refinements that add performance and lap time to the car. For this event, we’ve focused on minor detail updates around the car’s rear corners, as well as an experimental rear wing that will run throughout Friday’s sessions,” Houldey said. He described the overall package as “lighter than some of our recent updates” but stressed the changes are “all part of our season-long development pathway.”
McLaren heads to Austria third in the constructors’ standings, 49 points behind second place, after Lando Norris secured a podium finish at the previous round in Barcelona. The reigning World Champion took third in the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, his second top-three result of the season, after Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was forced to retire while leading. Oscar Piastri gained two positions to finish fifth.
Houldey expressed confidence in the team’s prospects at a circuit that has historically suited McLaren. “Austria has historically been a strong track for us, and while we take nothing for granted in such a tight field, we are optimistic that the car and driver characteristics will again suit the circuit, putting us in the fight at the front,” he said.
The Red Bull Ring presents a distinctive challenge for the 2026-generation cars. The circuit features 63.3 meters of elevation change between its lowest and highest points, with drivers climbing through the first half of the lap before descending in the second. Situated approximately 700 meters above sea level, the altitude naturally reduces aerodynamic performance and grip — effects amplified by the narrower, lower-downforce cars introduced this season. The three primary overtaking opportunities all occur in the uphill section, into Turns 2, 3, and 4.
Houldey also flagged the possibility of wet weather, which would present a significant test for the team. “We are also preparing for the possibility of wet weather, which would be one of the first times running the car in those conditions this season,” he said. “It presents a steep learning curve, especially with changes to energy management and power delivery in the wet, but it’s an opportunity we will embrace to optimise every aspect of the car and maximise our performance, whatever the conditions.”
The Austrian Grand Prix weekend runs from June 26 to 28 at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg.