F1: McLaren trials its 2027 front wing at the Brazil GP

McLaren is using the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos to introduce updates to its MCL40. The key item is a new front wing, a concept intended to carry over to the 2027 car. In F1, the team wants both to pick up points before the end of the 2026 season and to prepare for next year.

What changes on the MCL40

The package includes the front wing, changes to the rear wing and some floor components. The team presents it as a normal step in its development cycle. Peter Prodromou, who leads aerodynamics at McLaren, says the aim is to close the gap and build momentum for next season.

A season of ups and downs

McLaren set the pace after a major MCL40 revision in Hungary, where Lando Norris won, and again at Zandvoort. Since then the team has slipped back, despite a full upgrade package in Baku and new parts in Austin.

The numbers are telling:

• over the last four qualifying sessions, McLaren had the fourth-fastest car;
• on average it is 0.511s off pole and 0.236s behind the third-fastest car;
• in the constructors' championship it is 17 points behind third-placed Red Bull;
• over the last five races McLaren scored 59 points and Red Bull 152.

Mexico: a result that does not tell the whole story

In Mexico, Lando Norris finished fifth, 12 seconds behind winner Max Verstappen. That does not solve the problem: according to the sources, both Norris and Verstappen expect McLaren to remain short of pace at some tracks, such as Baku. Norris says the Mexican layout suited the car without reflecting a fundamental fix.

Why it is worth watching

In Brazil, McLaren will therefore be able to check on track whether its new front wing concept delivers the hoped-for gain. This weekend's results will show whether the direction taken for 2027 is the right one, and whether the team can still claw back Red Bull in the constructors' standings.

Key points

• New front wing in Brazil, concept planned for the 2027 McLaren.
• Rear wing and floor also modified.
• 17 points behind Red Bull, third in the constructors' championship.