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McLaren Upgrade Makes MCL40 Fastest, Eyes Mercedes at Canadian GP

5/20/2026

Summary

McLaren Challenges Mercedes

McLaren arrived at the Canadian Grand Prix with an upgraded MCL40 that can challenge Mercedes.
The upgrade let Lando Norris win the Miami Sprint and chase Kimi Antonelli, showing the car’s speed.
Johnny Herbert said the upgrade makes McLaren the fastest on Circuit Gilles Villeneuve’s long straights, could help attack Mercedes, warned Oscar Piastri must improve, and noted Lando Norris could become Kimi Antonelli’s main rival.

Summary

Mercedes Launches Upgrade

Mercedes will launch its first major W17 upgrade at the Canadian Grand Prix to counter rivals' gains.
The upgrade targets launch performance and aerodynamics, with rumours of three-tenths of a second per lap.
Toto Wolff warned the upgrades' effect will only be clear on track and cautioned against overreacting to results.
The FIA will introduce new engine-testing rules on June 1, while Mercedes leads the Constructors’ standings by 70 points.

Summary

Hamilton Skips Simulator

SoyMotor suffered a driveshaft failure during the Nürburgring 24-hour race, ending chance of victory.
Max Verstappen chose not to start, letting Daniel Juncadella run the stint before Max Verstappen took double stint.
Jules Gounon expressed disappointment over the issue, receiving a promise of return from Max Verstappen.
Lewis Hamilton will skip simulator work for the Canadian Grand Prix, focusing on meetings after his third place in China without a simulator.

History

Historical Context

Mercedes introduced the PU106A 1.6-litre V6-turbo hybrid for 2014, giving the team its first Constructors’ Championship that year. Lewis Hamilton claimed 11 victories while Nico Rosberg added five, and the car’s packaging advantage provided a clear performance edge. The success cemented hybrid power-units as the focal point of ongoing 2024 development across the grid.

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McLaren Challenges Mercedes

McLaren arrived at the Canadian Grand Prix with an upgraded MCL40 that can challenge Mercedes.
The upgrade let Lando Norris win the Miami Sprint and chase Kimi Antonelli, showing the car’s speed.
Johnny Herbert said the upgrade makes McLaren the fastest on Circuit Gilles Villeneuve’s long straights, could help attack Mercedes, warned Oscar Piastri must improve, and noted Lando Norris could become Kimi Antonelli’s main rival.

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