Full Breakdown
McLaren Shelves New Front Wing at Canadian Grand Prix Amid Performance Concerns
5/23/2026, 8:24:32 PM
Decision to Use Previous Front Wing
During Friday’s practice (FP1) at the Canadian Grand Prix, McLaren trialled the front wing from its upgrade. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri reported insufficient confidence and reverted to older specification for Sprint Qualifying, which parc-fermé rules lock in.
Upgrade Package Overview
The Montreal package builds on the Miami upgrade introduced at US Grand Prix. Submissions listed a front wing, engine cover, rear-suspension fairings and altered floor edges to increase downforce and narrow gap to Mercedes.
Key Personnel and Driver Feedback
Norris said he was “worried about being off the pace” and lacked confidence, while Piastri called upgrade “a big package” needing work on front wing. Director Neil Houldey noted progress from races, and principal Andrea Stella said signs were positive despite wing issue.
Qualifying Results and Track Challenges
Norris qualified third and Piastri fourth, while Mercedes locked front row (George Russell P1, Kimi Antonelli P2). Low grip and tyre-temperature issues on kerb-heavy Circuit Gilles Villeneuve reduced wing’s effectiveness.
Official Team Statements
McLaren’s team said front wing “wasn’t quite delivering what we expected,” prompting a return to older spec to restore driver confidence. Houldey added broader upgrade has yielded measurable progress, and Stella said team will keep refining wing while analysing data from upcoming circuits.
Criticism and Uncertainty
Drivers criticised the wing’s lack of predictability and said confidence was essential for attacking the circuit’s aggressive kerbs. Team acknowledged short-term fix might conceal a deeper aerodynamic shortfall that could be circuit-specific.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Sources agree wing underperformed, but differ on whether cause is design, Montreal track’s unique demands, or both. McLaren plans testing at Barcelona to isolate variables.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We were worried about being off the pace, and I didn’t have much confidence in the car,” — Lando Norris, McLaren driver
- “It was a big package to deliver, and we have some more work to do on the front wing – we ended up running with the older one in Sprint Qualifying as we felt more comfortable with it.” — Oscar Piastri, McLaren driver
- “The goal is to close that gap completely," Houldey declared.” — Neil Houldey, Technical Director
What's Next
Barcelona will be the next venue to assess front wing on another layout, allowing McLaren to determine whether issue is circuit-specific or aerodynamic.
