McLaren's 2027-spec front wing makes MCL40 more drivable ahead of Vegas upgrades

McLaren’s new front wing concept, introduced as part of a broader upgrade package at the Brazilian Grand Prix in Interlagos, has made the MCL40 more predictable and easier to drive, according to team principal Andrea Stella.

The Woking-based outfit brought the 2027-spec front wing to Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace alongside a rear wing, beam wing and new floor furniture — a response to McLaren losing ground to Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull over the preceding months. While heavy rain disrupted qualifying and the race, dry practice sessions gave engineers and drivers a meaningful read on the new components.

“Normally, the upgrades that we have taken trackside did not affect the driveability of the car, they were just aimed at increasing the load,” Stella said. “But in this case, especially for the front wing, we were also aiming to start addressing the fact that the car needs to be just more drivable, not only more loaded.”

Stella confirmed the wing performed as expected based on driver feedback and on-car data. “We see that this seems to have made the driveability a little bit easier,” he added, while cautioning that a fully easy-to-drive car remains a work in progress — one he is targeting with next year’s challenger.

The front wing is described as a precursor to McLaren’s 2026 design philosophy, and Stella said its positive early results are encouraging for the direction the team is heading. “It’s encouraging that the upgrades that we are bringing — they are precursor to what will be next year’s car — have worked as expected.”

More parts are on their way. Stella confirmed additional aerodynamic components will arrive at the Las Vegas Grand Prix in two weeks. “There will be some new parts in Vegas,” he said, explaining that the incoming pieces have been designed to complement the airflow generated by the new front wing. “The front wing, in terms of improving the driveability, the predictability of the car, was the major component. So we are going to add some more aerodynamic efficiency, but I don’t expect a significant change in the behaviour of the car.”

For a more fundamental shift in how the MCL40 feels to drive, Stella indicated the team must wait for 2026. Lando Norris took pole in São Paulo, though Stella acknowledged that Mercedes appeared a step quicker in dry conditions during practice, and that George Russell’s pace in qualifying suggested the advantage could swing toward the Silver Arrows if the race ran dry.