McLaren Tests New Floor at Silverstone Ahead of Belgian GP
Silverstone, UK – During the British Grand Prix weekend, McLaren utilized a new floor prototype, as confirmed by FIA technical documents. This experimental component was tested in the opening practice session, but team principal Andrea Stella clarified that it would be removed post-practice as it was intended solely for evaluation. “The plan was always to have an early read on this new specification,” Stella noted.
Reverting to the previous floor specification, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri mastered a familiar 1-2 finish, demonstrating the effectiveness of the older design. The new floor is expected to make its full race debut at the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. "We are pleased with the data collected at Silverstone. All indications suggest we will introduce this new floor for future events," Stella added.
Strategic Upgrade Approach
McLaren’s strategy is emblematic of its current competitive position in Formula 1, contrasting sharply with Red Bull’s rapid upgrade timeline. The Woking-based team has consistently tested components without immediate deployment, as seen earlier this season with a new front wing tested in Canada and raced later in Austria.
Stella emphasized that this cautious rollout allows for thorough validation of on-track performance versus simulations, reducing the risk of correlation issues seen with rival teams. “We want to correlate what we have seen in the wind tunnel and CFD with what we observed on track,” he explained, hinting at other teams’ struggles, such as Ferrari’s recent missteps after introducing a new floor.
Looking Ahead to Spa
CEO Zak Brown confirmed the new floor will be fully deployed at Spa, creating potential for McLaren to further extend its championship lead. “The floor worked well, and we will put it on both cars,” he stated. This raises questions for competitors: could McLaren’s enhancements create an even larger gap?
Brown tempered expectations, suggesting that while the team aims for consistent strong performances, the objective is not a repeat of their previous commanding victories. “It’s more of the same, but maybe not a 30-second win this time,” he remarked.
Competition and Upcoming Upgrades
The Belgian GP is anticipated to be competitive, as rival teams also plan upgrades. Ferrari is set to introduce a new rear suspension, while Red Bull aims to implement additional updates. The importance of these developments cannot be understated, especially as teams gear up for the forthcoming 2026 regulations.
In summary, McLaren’s strategic approach and technical enhancements position the team advantageously moving into the next race. By minimizing risks associated with upgrades, they align their engineering prowess with current performance objectives—a luxury not shared by many competitors in the field.
