Lando Norris set for McLaren’s Hungary upgrades as team eyes Mercedes gap

Lando Norris will race with McLaren’s latest upgrades at the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday, as the team rolls out a new floor and aerodynamic package aimed at closing the gap to Mercedes and Ferrari.

What upgrades is McLaren bringing for Lando Norris?

McLaren confirmed a fresh package for the Hungaroring, including a new floor and extra aerodynamic parts. The team also plans to run an experimental rear wing during Friday’s FP1 session, though it won’t be raced in Hungary or the Netherlands after the summer break. McLaren called the upcoming races “not the optimum conditions” for the MCL40, but stressed the upgrades should help on high-downforce circuits like Zandvoort.

Why FP1 matters for Lando Norris and Piastri

Oscar Piastri will miss FP1 on Friday to make way for Leonardo Fornaroli, the reigning Formula 2 champion making his second FP1 appearance this season. Fornaroli finished fifth in Barcelona’s FP1 earlier this year, the best of seven rookies in that session. McLaren said the upgrades target braking and cornering-key at Hungaroring-where Norris hinted at podium pace in Spa despite a penalty and slow stop.

What Fornaroli said ahead of his FP1 run

Fornaroli called Friday’s session a chance to learn and contribute. “I’m looking forward to driving the MCL40 in FP1 at the Hungaroring,” he said. “Every session is a chance to gain confidence and help the team. I’ve been busy in Woking preparing in the simulator and at the Optimum Nutrition McLaren Performance Hub.”

What’s next for McLaren and Lando Norris?

The team expects more upgrades after the summer shutdown, aiming to improve performance on similar circuits. Norris’s comments after Spa-where he felt he had podium pace-suggest McLaren’s push could pay off in Hungary. The new parts arrive as McLaren chases Mercedes and Ferrari, with Norris and Piastri set to race Sunday.