McLaren confirm ‘significant’ upgrade ahead of F1 summer break Belgian-Hungarian Grand Prix double header | F1 News

McLaren have confirmed they will roll out a “significant upgrade package” ahead of Formula 1’s upcoming double-header in Belgium and Hungary.

The reigning constructor champions have made a disappointing defense of their title so far, falling 154 points behind leaders Mercedes after nine rounds of the season.

The team’s only podium over the last five rounds came when reigning world champion Lando Norris was third in Barcelona, ​​with McLaren largely unable to match the pace of Mercedes and Ferrari.

However, there is reason for hope for Norris and his team-mate Oscar Piastri, with the team confirming in their official preview ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix that new parts are coming.

The team said: “As part of the development path for the MCL40, this weekend will see the introduction of a new rear wing which will be tested and evaluated in Friday’s practice session at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.

“Both MCL40 race cars will also be fitted with a new ICE unit, the third of the season, powered by the Mercedes AMG High Performance powertrain which includes some different features introduced to improve reliability.

“They made their debut with the works team at the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix and then with Silverstone’s other two customer teams.”

While McLaren will expect some lift in Belgium from the new rear wing and power unit, there seems to be more hope tied to more “significant” car upgrades coming to Hungary a week later.

The preview continued: “The team arrived in Belgium fully focused on unlocking the car’s absolute potential ahead of the launch of a significant upgrade package for the Hungarian Grand Prix later this month.”

McLaren technical director for applied engineering, Neil Holdy, cautioned that the team “doesn’t expect any major changes” in performance at Spa.

Holdy said: “We are confident that this update will add some 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 will not be as easy, so we do not expect any major changes in terms of competition.”

Wolff wants Mercedes to reach the break on a ‘strong note’

Despite Kimi Antonelli and George Russell topping the drivers’ championship and building a 78-point lead over Ferrari in the constructors’ championship, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff issued a warning to his team ahead of the double header.

Mercedes have maintained a strong pace in every race this season, but championship leader Antonelli has finished without points in two of the last three races due to technical problems.

The 19-year-old Italian retired in Barcelona after an engine failure, and then looked to be on course to chase Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to victory at Silverstone before a wheel-guard failure spoiled his race.

Earlier, Russell had retired from the lead in Canada, also due to engine failure.

Wolff said: “The past few races have underlined both where our strengths are and where we need to improve.

“We have a car capable of fighting in front and scoring a lot of points, but we didn’t convert that potential into the best possible result.

“Reliability issues have cost us points, and in this competitive championship, that’s something we can’t afford. If we can’t bring home results, there’s no value in having pace.”

Back-to-back races in Belgium and Hungary follow a four-week break, before the season resumes with the Dutch Grand Prix in late August.

Woolf added: “This is the final double header before the summer shutdown and we want to go into the break on a strong note.

“Our goal is to drive cleanly, provide the reliability we need and convert the car’s performance into points it is able to score.

“We’ve left too much on the table recently. We have to make sure that doesn’t happen again this weekend.”

Sky Sports F1’s Belgian GP schedule

Thursday 16 July
2pm: Drivers press conference
5pm: Paddock uncut

Friday 17 July
8.50am: Exercised F3
10am: F2 practice
12.00pm: Belgian GP Practice One (Session starts at 12.30pm)
2pm: F3 qualifying
2.55pm: F2 Qualifying
3.30pm: Belgian GP Practice Two (Session starts at 4pm)
5.15pm: The F1 show

Saturday 18 July
9am: F3 sprint
11.15am: Belgian GP Practice Three (session starts at 11.30am)
1.15pm: F2 sprint
2.15pm: Belgian GP Qualifying Build-up*
3pm: Belgian GP Qualifying*

Sunday 19 July
7.30am: F3 Feature Race
9am: F2 Feature Race
10.45am: Porsche Supercup
12.30pm: Belgian GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday
2pm: Belgian Grand Prix
4pm: Belgian GP reaction: checkered flag

*Also on Sky Sports main events

Formula 1’s summer run continues this weekend with the Belgian Grand Prix at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports now – no contract, cancel anytime