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McLaren are optimistic about being “in front of the fight” at this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix as they confirmed the introduction of an “experimental rear wing” on the MCL40.
The reigning constructor champions are yet to claim a grand prix win in 2026 and have a total of four podium finishes in the first six rounds of the season.
After Lando Norris’ third-place finish in Barcelona last time out, the Woking squad believe that either the reigning world champion or his team-mate Oscar Piastre have the potential to step up to the top step of Spielberg’s podium.
McLaren technical director of application engineering Neil Holde said: “Austria has historically been a strong track for us, and although we take nothing for granted in such a tight field, we are hopeful that the characteristics of the car and driver will again suit the circuit, keeping us in contention.”
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Highlights of the 2026 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix
Holdi also confirmed that McLaren will bring upgrades to the Red Bull Ring as an intense development race continues following the introduction of all new cars for this season.
Among the new parts will be an “experimental rear wing” which is expected to be similar to Ferrari’s rotating ‘Macarena wing’, which impressed the paddock when it was first unveiled in pre-season.
Ferrari first took part in a competitive session at the Miami Grand Prix, where Red Bull also unveiled their own version of the design, which flips when straight mode is activated.
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Craig Slater takes a closer look at Ferrari’s new upside-down rear wing in China as he performs his ‘Macarena’ dance!
“We’re always looking to make refinements that add performance and lap times to the car,” Holde said.
“For this event, we focused on minor detail updates around the rear corners of the car, as well as an experimental rear wing that will run throughout Friday’s session.
“While the overall package is lighter than some of our recent updates, these developments are all part of our season-long development path, and we continue to look for every lap time opportunity wherever we can.”
Wolff: Mercedes upgrades to solve reliability problems
Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has confirmed that his team will also bring the upgrade to Austria, which he says will address some of the reliability issues that have plagued the Silver Arrow recently.
George Russell retired from leading the Canadian Grand Prix in May due to a technical fault, with world championship leader Kimi Antonelli suffering the same fate last time out when he finished second in Barcelona.
Antonelli’s DNF in Spain cut his championship lead over Lewis Hamilton to 41 points as the Briton claimed his first grand prix win for Ferrari.
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Kimi Antonelli overtook Mercedes team-mate George Russell before retiring from the race with engine failure.
Wolff said: “Barcelona served as a benchmark for our current performance and, having won the first six races, offered a reality check.
“Others have gained places quickly and we have to respond. We are fighting for both championships but must improve if we want to come out on top at the end of the season.
“Our Achilles heel has been reliability so far. We’ve lost a lot of points in both cars in recent races; if we don’t put together a clean weekend our competitors will happily take advantage.
“We are not relenting in our efforts; we will bring some updates to Austria this weekend, focusing on improving both performance and reliability.”
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An unfortunate power unit failure for George Russell saw him out of the Canadian Grand Prix
The short nature of the laps and relative lack of corners at Wolff’s home event in Austria often creates tight and exciting qualifying contests.
He added: “The margins are tight, and will be tighter around Spielberg given the length of the lap.
“We need to put together a better weekend compared to recent races but if we can deliver at our peak, we know we can challenge for the win.”
Sky Sports F1 live Austrian GP schedule
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Take a look back at some of the year’s most dramatic moments at the Austrian Grand Prix
Thursday 25 June
2pm: Drivers press conference
5pm: Paddock uncut
Friday 26 June
8.50am: Exercised F3
10am: F2 practice
12.00pm: Austrian GP Practice One (Session starts at 12.30pm)
1.55pm: F3 Qualifying
2.30pm: Team bosses press conference
2.50pm: F2 Qualifying
3.35pm: Austrian GP Practice Two (Session starts at 4pm)
5.15pm: The F1 show
Saturday 27 June
9am: F3 sprint
11.15am: Austrian GP Practice Three (session starts at 11.30am)
1.10pm: F2 Sprint
2.15pm: Austrian GP Qualifying Build-up*
3pm: Austrian GP Qualifying*
5pm: Ted’s qualifying notebook
Sunday 28 June
7.35am: F3 Feature Race
9.05am: F2 feature race
10.50am: Porsche Supercup
12.30pm: Austrian GP Build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
2pm: Austrian Grand Prix*
4pm: Austrian GP Reaction: Checkered flag
5pm: Ted’s Notebook
*Also on Sky Sports main events
Formula 1’s European season continues this weekend with the Austrian Grand Prix, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports now – no contract, cancel anytime
