There is a fresh surge of energy flowing through the corridors of the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking. After enduring a rocky, frustration-filled opening chapter to the 2026 Formula 1 campaign, the reigning champions have firmly reset their trajectory.
A triumphant weekend at the Hungarian Grand Prix proved to be the turning point, where a major upgrade package transformed the MCL40 into a race-winning force once more.
Reigning world champion Lando Norris delivered a masterclass at the Hungaroring to seal his first win of the season, while teammate Oscar Piastri demonstrated commanding pace by leading for the majority of the Grand Prix before a heartbreak gearbox failure halted his charge.
With performance restored, McLaren isn't looking back – and team boss Andrea Stella is refusing to let the team rest on its laurels.
When asked about McLaren's goals for the rest of the campaign and whether they can reignite their championship charge, Stella didn't hesitate:
“That’s a difficult question, but there’s a very clear answer,” he said. “If we can continue the season as we did in Budapest, I think we can still achieve a great deal.
“To do so, we must keep pushing with the development of the MCL40 and ensure we outpace our rivals – who certainly aren’t standing still – in this race within the race, which is the competition over updates.”
Building momentum in Woking
The breakthrough in Hungary proved that Woking’s technical department has found its groove after an unexpectedly tough start to the season.
However, Stella remains grounded about the challenge ahead, knowing that track-side results hinge entirely on continuous progress back at the factory.
©McLaren
“The result will depend on how effective the solutions we bring to the track prove to be,” the Italian added noted.
“In the first part of the season, we struggled more than we expected in this regard too, but I believe that in recent years, once we’ve gained some momentum, we’ve been able to maintain it.”
That operational resilience will be vital as McLaren looks to mount an audacious late-season surge.
Keeping the trophy cabinets full
With half the season still ahead, the mathematical possibilities remain wide open. Stella was quick to point out that a massive haul of points remains on the table across the remaining rounds.
“There are still 12 races left on the calendar, so there are plenty of opportunities given that 546 points are up for grabs,” he pointed out.
Read also: McLaren paid ‘heavy price’ for 2025 success, admits Andrea StellaCrucially, Stella believes the team's rich pedigree and recent championship triumphs serve as the ultimate motivation to push the MCL40 to its absolute limits.
“Of course, the gap in both championships is significant, but we remember last year’s lesson well. Aafter all, I always tell the team that if we’ve set up a new display cabinet to house the new, recent trophies at the McLaren Technology Centre, then we have a duty to do our utmost to keep filling it…” he concluded.
If McLaren can couple its newfound pace with rock-solid reliability, that brand-new display case in Woking might need extra shelf space very soon.
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