McLaren brings four aerodynamic updates to Sao Paulo Grand Prix
McLaren is the only team introducing new parts at Interlagos, featuring a new front wing, rear wing, beam wing, and floor. The upgrade package aims to improve the MCL40 performance as Lando Norris seeks to end a five-race podium drought.
McLaren introduces four aerodynamic updates
McLaren is the only team bringing new parts to the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The FIA official car submission document confirms the Woking-based squad will use a new front wing, rear wing, beam wing, and floor for this weekend’s event at Interlagos. This four-part aerodynamic upgrade package aims to improve the MCL40 during the closing stages of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The front wing design is a concept for the 2027 Formula 1 season that provides improved airflow to other areas of the car to allow the team to extract additional aerodynamic performance. This configuration aims to improve airflow to the sidepod bodywork and the floor. The team introduced a new rear wing assembly alongside a new beam wing designed to work in conjunction with each other to increase aerodynamic load. These components try to increase aerodynamic load and improve how the rear elements work aerodynamically. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will evaluate these components during Friday’s running at Interlagos.
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Front Wing | Flow conditioning for sidepods and floor |
| Rear Wing | Increased aerodynamic load |
| Beam Wing | Improved rear-end interaction |
| Floor | Stable underfloor airflow management |
The front wing focuses on flow conditioning to sharpen the airflow reaching the sidepod bodywork and the floor. According to the FIA official car presentation document, the new front wing design is an early track test for aerodynamic ideas McLaren is exploring for its 2027 challenger under the sport’s incoming regulation cycle. The team also developed a new beam wing to work with the rear wing to improve overall aerodynamic efficiency. This revised component is intended to improve the interaction between the rear wing and the airflow surrounding it. The floor update is a relatively small modification that targets more stable underfloor airflow management. The combination of updates aims to improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the MCL40.
Norris seeks to end podium drought
Lando Norris faces a difficult task because McLaren has gone five races without a podium. The team must catch Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull. The upgrade package attempts to fix the balance inconsistencies that have plagued the MCL40 in recent rounds. This is a rare situation because no other constructor on the grid declared an upgrade package for round 20, according to the FIA filing. Interlagos provides a difficult test for these parts because the bumpy middle sector tests underfloor sensitivity more than most circuits.
The team expects the revised rear wing assembly to increase aerodynamic load efficiently across different conditions. This could provide a more effective compromise between downforce generation and aerodynamic drag. The team remains the only constructor to bring developments to this event. Lando Norris hopes these changes will push the car back into the hunt for podiums. The new front wing focuses on flow conditioning across its elements to sharpen the airflow reaching the floor and sidepod bodywork. The team is pursuing these improvements despite the limited number of races remaining in the 2026 campaign.
