McLaren Tests New Floor Ahead of Belgian Grand Prix
During the British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone, McLaren unveiled a new floor design, initially documented in FIA technical documents, as part of its ongoing development strategy. Team principal Andrea Stella confirmed that this new specification was solely for testing purposes during the first practice session. “The floor was a test item to gain an early assessment of this new spec,” he explained.
Following opening practice, McLaren reverted to its previous floor, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri still securing a strong 1-2 finish. This decision does not reflect any underperformance of the new floor, but rather aligns with McLaren’s strategic plans to collect data before fully implementing the upgrade. “We are pleased with what we saw during free practice. All indications suggest we’ll introduce this new floor at upcoming events,” Stella added.
The new floor is set to make its competitive debut at the Belgian Grand Prix, where it will be utilized in both qualifying and the race. CEO Zak Brown noted, “The floor worked well, so we’re rolling out this upgrade for both cars. We were happy with the data collected.” He tempered expectations, stating, “Maybe not a 30-second win this time, but more of the same competitive results.”
McLaren’s approach to gradual upgrades is a marked contrast to other teams like Red Bull. While McLaren can afford a methodical rollout, teams embroiled in midfield battles—where time margins are minimal—often require immediate implementation of new parts. Red Bull recently introduced part of its floor package early at the Austrian Grand Prix, reflecting the urgency of its competitiveness.
Looking ahead, rival teams are also planning significant upgrades for the Belgian GP, with Ferrari set to implement a new rear suspension. Meanwhile, Red Bull aims to finalize its upgrades, signaling that the championship contention remains intense.
In summary, McLaren’s cautious yet strategic update process has positioned the team favorably, reducing the risk of upgrade misfires—a luxury less accessible to its competitors. The upcoming Belgian Grand Prix promises to be a crucial battleground as teams continue to push for performance enhancements.
