McLaren introducing another significant upgrade package in Hungary

McLaren will introduce what it describes as “a valuable package of upgrades” at this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix, where team reserve driver Leonardo Fornaroli is set to make another FP1 appearance.

After debuting a new rear wing at last weekend’s race at Spa-Francorchamps, McLaren plans to test its "Macarena" rotating Straight Mode wing during FP1 at Budapest. That test is planned after a failed attempt to analyze it in Austria, and the team makes clear that the component “is not scheduled to be introduced fully at this or the following race in the Netherlands.”

What is planned to be raced in Hungary is a new floor and further other aerodynamic parts that are described as a milestone in the car’s development path.

“We're looking forward to a very different challenge at the Hungaroring and the final race before the summer shutdown,” senior director of racing Randy Singh said. “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 tire management a key factor.

“As always this season, we'll also be focused on getting the most from our power unit deployment across the lap and understanding how the revised overtaking characteristics influence strategy. 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 maximize 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.”

Reserve driver Fornaroli will make his second FP1 appearance of the season in place of Oscar Piastri, to follow his Barcelona outing, while Ryo Hirakawa will also make a rookie appearance for Haas in the first practice session. Both Hirakawa and Fornaroli have been linked with a race seat at Ayao Komatsu’s team in 2027.