McLaren continues to push development. The updates introduced in Budapest were only part of the second seasonal development package, which the world champion team decided to spread over several races. Now other novelties arrive on the MCL40 in the Netherlands, concerning the rear wing, the flap behind the exhaust, and the brake cooling ducts. The goal is to try to exploit the good affinity with the Dutch track, perhaps to score another victory.
The novelties of Zandvoort
The updates that secured the win in Hungary were the core of the second evolutionary package of the MCL40, particularly those related to the floor. Now follow the novelties of Zandvoort, highlighted by the new Ferrari-inspired FTM. The world champions modified the exhaust outlet, removing the previous small vertical partition in favor of a more spoon-shaped design of the exit section. The goal is to increase downforce and aerodynamic efficiency, exploiting the interaction of hot gases with the rear wing.
The rear wing is another of the novelties for the Dutch Grand Prix. The setup remains similar to the previous one, with a probable revision of the curvature and chord of the three elements. The most evident modification concerns the outer partition of the endplate, where a third rib curved upwards appears. For now, the new active aerodynamics mechanism tested in Budapest to flip the movable profiles is absent, but the team has repeatedly explained that they need time to fine-tune the system. Finally, the Woking team has updated the rear brake cooling ducts, which continue to be an important development area also for tire thermal management.
Read more Dutch GP 2026, the Sprint Qualifying LIVE: an immediate thrill for Antonelli
High expectations
Beyond the updates, at Zandvoort McLaren has all the cards to aim again for the big hit. The Dutch track is one of Norris’s favorites, as well as suitable to highlight the qualities of the MCL40, as seen in Hungary. The papaya team, however, will have to prove it can compete for victory on every type of circuit, also considering that Antonelli indicated Ferrari as Mercedes’ main rival for the second half of the season.
