McLaren has introduced a completely revised front wing at the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix, adopting an active aerodynamics concept that Mercedes previously used before abandoning it in October. The change represents a significant shift in the MCL40’s aerodynamic philosophy, with the Woking-based team already preparing to carry elements of the new design into its 2027 Formula 1 car.
McLaren is the only team to have arrived at Interlagos with a substantial upgrade package, introducing a new front wing alongside revisions to the rear wing, beam wing and floor. The most significant development concerns the front wing’s active aerodynamic system, which now operates differently from the configuration used earlier in the season. Interestingly, McLaren has adopted an approach that Mercedes recently moved away from, underlining how the two teams have reached different conclusions about the most effective aerodynamic solution.
McLaren adopts Mercedes’ abandoned front wing concept for 2027
The most immediately noticeable change to McLaren’s new front wing concerns the positioning of the nose support pylons. Previously attached to the main wing element, these supports have now been moved to the second element of the front wing.
This modification fundamentally changes how the active aerodynamics system operates. Under the previous configuration, both upper flaps could open on the straights to reduce aerodynamic drag. With the revised arrangement, only the uppermost flap remains movable, while the second element now provides the structural support for the nose.
It is the same basic configuration already used by Aston Martin and initially adopted by Mercedes. However, between the Singapore and United States Grands Prix, Mercedes introduced a redesigned front wing and moved towards a more conventional layout featuring two movable elements.
McLaren has therefore taken the opposite development direction, adopting a solution that Mercedes decided to abandon. The decision is particularly interesting because it involves deliberately giving up part of the potential drag reduction offered by Formula 1’s active aerodynamics regulations.
Why McLaren has sacrificed a movable flap to improve aerodynamic efficiency
The 2026 Formula 1 technical regulations allow teams to open up to two front wing flaps on the straights, reducing aerodynamic resistance and improving straight-line efficiency. McLaren, however, has chosen to use only one movable element with its latest design.
Although this may initially appear counterintuitive, the new arrangement offers a different aerodynamic advantage. By attaching the nose support pylons to the second wing element, McLaren has freed the mainplane from the obstructions previously created by those supports.
As a result, the main wing element can now operate across its entire width without interference from the nose pylons, potentially providing greater aerodynamic efficiency. McLaren is effectively trading some of the drag-reduction benefit available through active aerodynamics for improved performance from the main wing profile.
To compensate for having only one movable flap, the Woking team has increased the chord length of the uppermost element. Since this is now the only flap that can open on the straights, enlarging its surface allows McLaren to maximise the drag reduction available from the revised system.
The decision reflects a wider reconsideration of the MCL40’s aerodynamic characteristics, particularly after the performance difficulties reported by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri following the United States Grand Prix.
McLaren redesigns front wing airflow to improve the MCL40’s floor performance
Beyond the repositioning of the support pylons and the changes to the movable flaps, McLaren has also substantially revised the shape of the front wing’s mainplane.
The new profile has a less pronounced spoon-shaped curvature than its predecessor and is aligned with the footplate extending outwards from the vertical endplate. This represents another significant modification to the way the front wing manages airflow around the car.
Through these changes, McLaren has chosen to reorganise the airflow structures generated at the front of the MCL40. These flows travel towards the floor and influence the aerodynamic performance of the rest of the car, making the front wing an essential component of the overall aerodynamic concept.
The revised design is therefore not simply intended to improve the performance of the front wing in isolation. Its purpose is also to influence the airflow reaching other areas of the car, allowing McLaren to evaluate the effectiveness of a different aerodynamic philosophy.
Crucially, the team has already confirmed that it intends to carry this front wing concept forward to its 2027 challenger. The Brazilian Grand Prix therefore provides an opportunity to assess a solution that could play an important role in the development of next year’s car.
McLaren introduces new rear wing and beam wing at Brazilian Grand Prix
The front wing is not the only major aerodynamic development introduced on the MCL40 at Interlagos. McLaren has also revised the rear of the car, bringing a new rear wing featuring a reorganisation of its various aerodynamic elements.
One particularly noticeable detail is the addition of two small flaps at the top of the rear wing assembly, similar to elements already seen on the Ferrari SF-26.
However, McLaren’s changes go beyond these smaller additions. The team has reconsidered the entire rear wing structure and introduced a new beam wing, designed to improve the aerodynamic interaction between the upper rear wing and the diffuser.
The intention is to optimise how these components work together, rather than focusing exclusively on the performance of individual aerodynamic surfaces. This approach is consistent with the wider changes being introduced at the front of the MCL40.
New McLaren floor upgrades and diffuser tests point towards 2027 F1 car
McLaren’s development package also includes modifications to aerodynamic appendages positioned at the front of the floor. These components have been revised for the Brazilian Grand Prix as part of the team’s continuing efforts to improve the MCL40’s aerodynamic performance.
The changes follow additional development work carried out at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, where McLaren tested several modifications to the diffuser with the intention of using them at subsequent races.
Taken together, the new front wing, revised rear wing assembly, updated beam wing and floor developments demonstrate that McLaren remains particularly active in its aerodynamic development programme despite the 2026 season approaching its conclusion.
The team is not simply attempting to secure additional Grand Prix victories during the final races of the year. It is also using competitive running to evaluate technical solutions that could form part of its 2027 car.
With McLaren having experienced a difficult run of results in its battle with Red Bull, the latest upgrades offer an opportunity to improve its competitive position while gathering information for the next generation of Formula 1 machinery.
The most intriguing aspect remains the decision to embrace an active front wing philosophy that Mercedes recently discarded. Whether McLaren’s alternative approach ultimately proves more effective will depend on how successfully the new configuration works with the rest of the car, but the team has already identified it as an important direction for its 2027 development.
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