McLaren to Introduce Major MCL40 Upgrades at Miami GP

McLaren, the defending Formula One constructors and drivers champions, will introduce a significantly upgraded version of its MCL40 car at the Miami Grand Prix next month, team principal Andrea Stella announced Wednesday. The changes, described by Stella as creating an entirely new car from an aerodynamic perspective, come after a difficult start to the 2026 season under revamped technical and power unit regulations.

The British team has struggled to match pacesetting Mercedes, who have claimed victory in the opening three races. McLaren sits third in the constructors standings, 89 points behind the leaders. Lando Norris, the reigning drivers champion, finished fifth in the season opener in Australia, while both he and teammate Oscar Piastri failed to start the Chinese Grand Prix due to power unit problems. Progress emerged at the Japanese Grand Prix, where Piastri secured second place behind Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, nearly claiming the win before a safety car intervention.

The upgrades were originally planned for the North American races, but the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix due to regional conflict in the Gulf has provided an unexpected...