McLaren bringing 'modest' upgrades to COTA, with one eye on 2027 developments

McLaren’s upgrades at the United States Grand Prix will be modest but help inform the team’s developments for 2027, according to chief technical officer Rob Marshall.

Team principal Andrea Stella confirmed in Singapore that there would be more upgrades brought to Austin as it looks to build on a package introduced in Azerbaijan. After a run of just one podium in the past five rounds, McLaren needs a step forward compared to a resurgent Red Bull if it wants to hold onto third place in the constructors’ championship, and Marshall expects a stronger showing in the United States.

“The Circuit of The Americas is physically demanding for driver and car,” Marshall said. “The series of high-speed corners with temping curbs generate high loads, which can unsettle the driver and cause damage.

“We’re bringing a modest selection of upgrades for this event, aimed at improving some braking reliability and performance issues. We also have some small floor changes to test.

“We have all seen how difficult it is to predict the relative performance of the top teams over the last five or six races. Obviously, there are many factors in play here: cars being upgraded, cars suiting and drivers liking certain circuits among other factors. The last few races have not been great for us, but I think we’re getting stronger again and Austin is probably a better circuit for our car.

“Practice will be important for correlating what we've seen in our development tools with the track. We are still learning how best to extract performance from this car. We have the full range of corner types here so getting the best balance for the whole lap will be our main focus.

“As we start looking ahead to next year, there are many things the team have learned from this first season of the new era. The regulation changes for 2027 are quite modest so most of the parts and philosophies on this car are relevant to the direction for next year.

“Even where the hardware itself doesn't carry across, the learning and correlation do. Every time we can compare simulation, tunnel and track results, we improve the tools and understanding we're using to develop 2027.”

Currently seven points clear of Red Bull, McLaren missed out on more points in Singapore after Lando Norris hit teammate Oscar Piastri in the Sprint, and the team says the matter is now closed after further discussions between races.

“Everything we do only matters if I perform well on the track,” Norris said. “I take responsibility for my mistakes, and I learn from them. This team is my motivation every weekend, and my aim is to repay the hard work everyone puts in by improving, making better decisions, and representing the team in the best possible way.”