Following a difficult weekend at Silverstone, McLaren is preparing for the Belgian Grand Prix with the aim of improving its recent performances while awaiting a major upgrade package due to arrive in Hungary. However, the Woking-based team will already introduce several technical updates at Spa-Francorchamps, including a new rear wing, while the more comprehensive development package is scheduled for the following race.
Spa: the ultimate test for energy management and the Power Unit
The Ardennes circuit is expected to provide one of the toughest technical challenges of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Its exceptionally long acceleration zones and even longer straights than Silverstone will place enormous emphasis on Power Unit energy management.
One of the biggest risks will be exhausting the available electrical energy before the end of the lap, a scenario that could create additional overtaking opportunities during the race, although perhaps not the kind of racing Formula 1 ultimately hopes to achieve.
From an aerodynamic perspective, Spa will also present an interesting challenge. Traditionally, the Belgian circuit has required low-downforce configurations, but the introduction of active aerodynamics has changed the way teams approach setup.
As seen at other circuits this season, the four Straight Line Mode zones have reduced the need for multiple circuit-specific rear wing configurations, allowing teams to rely on a more versatile aerodynamic package.
Adding another layer of complexity is the unpredictable Ardennes weather. Rain has always been part of Spa’s character, and this weekend could deliver the first genuinely wet race of the 2026 season, providing a valuable test for the new-generation Formula 1 cars.
New rear wing and updated Mercedes Power Unit
While the most significant upgrade package will not arrive until the Hungarian Grand Prix next week, McLaren continues introducing smaller developments in the meantime.
The most anticipated addition is a new rear wing specification, which is expected to make its debut on the MCL40 this weekend.
Another important change will be the introduction of the team’s third internal combustion engine (ICE) of the season, supplied by Mercedes.
The arrival of this engine had become a talking point over recent weeks, although its introduction had always been planned. Even so, there continue to be minor tensions between Mercedes and McLaren regarding the supply and operation of the Power Unit, with the customer team’s procedures differing significantly from those used by the factory outfit in Brackley.
The engine is the same specification first introduced by the Mercedes works team in Austria before becoming available to customer teams at Silverstone, featuring several modifications aimed primarily at improving reliability.
Neil Houldey: “Spa will be one of the toughest challenges of the season”
McLaren Technical Director of Applied Engineering Neil Houldey explained that the team’s preparation had been particularly intensive because of the unique demands of Spa-Francorchamps.
“We have prepared for the weekend through extensive simulator work because we know Spa will be one of the most demanding circuits of the year from an energy management perspective.”
The British engineer also confirmed the arrival of the new rear wing while urging caution regarding expectations.
“We arrive in Belgium with a new rear wing, an update that was already planned as part of the car’s development programme. We are confident it can provide a small performance gain, but we are also aware that, after the difficulties we experienced at Silverstone, particularly in terms of outright pace, we are not expecting any radical change in our competitiveness.”
According to Houldey, Belgium will represent one of the biggest technical examinations of the season.
“Spa will be one of the most critical circuits of the year for energy management. It is one of the tracks that puts the greatest strain on the Power Unit, and we expect to see extensive use of the ‘super clip’, which will test both the car and the drivers.”
Finally, Houldey also commented on the uncertain weather forecast.
“The forecast remains highly unpredictable. If it rains, it will certainly make things even more difficult, but it will also represent a great opportunity. We could finally see how the MCL40 behaves in wet conditions and gather valuable data in low-grip situations that could prove useful for the rest of the season.”
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