McLaren brings new floor and aerodynamic upgrades to Hungarian Grand Prix

The package will be evaluated during practice at the Hungaroring, while the team will also test a developed version of an experimental rear wing during Friday’s opening session.

McLaren said the rear wing was originally scheduled to be tested at the Austrian Grand Prix but would not be fully introduced in Hungary or at the following race in the Netherlands.

The upgrades are intended to improve the car’s braking and cornering performance, areas that will be important at the Hungaroring and Zandvoort.

McLaren acknowledged that neither circuit was expected to provide ideal conditions for the MCL40 but said further developments were planned for the second half of the season.

The team heads to Budapest after Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris finished fifth and seventh respectively at the Belgian Grand Prix, despite showing stronger pace than the final results suggested.

Senior Director of Racing Randy Singh said evaluating the new components would be an important part of the team’s preparations.

Singh said: “We have an upgrade package arriving this weekend too, and in such a competitive season every development is important, so it will be great to gather further understanding on how those parts perform throughout Free Practice.

“Our aim is to maximise everything we have available, carry positive momentum into the shutdown and put ourselves in the strongest possible position for the second half of the championship.”

The Hungaroring’s tight layout and limited straights place a premium on downforce, braking stability and traction, while hot conditions and a sequence of corners can make tyre management difficult.

Singh added: “It’s a circuit that demands a high-downforce package and rewards confidence under braking, strong corner entry and good traction, while the combination of hot temperatures, relentless corners and limited straights makes tyre management a key factor.”

McLaren will also assess power unit deployment and the effect of the revised overtaking regulations on strategy during the final race weekend before Formula 1's summer break.

Development driver Leonardo Fornaroli will replace Piastri in the opening practice session, making his second Formula 1 practice appearance for McLaren after driving at Barcelona earlier in the season.

The Italian has prepared for the session in McLaren’s simulator and at the team’s performance centre in Woking.

Fornaroli said: “Every session is a chance to learn more, gain confidence and contribute to the team’s programme for the weekend.

“I can’t wait to get out on track on Friday, have fun and make the most of every lap to help the team," he added.