McLaren showed signs of progress during the Friday practice sessions at the 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, with driver Lando Norris noting that the team’s recent upgrades appeared to improve the car’s performance. These developments came as McLaren aimed to build on the positive momentum they had started to establish at the previous race in Mexico.
Several upgrades were introduced by McLaren for the Sao Paulo weekend, targeting better drivability and performance for both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Norris led the first practice session and secured second place in the second session, closely matched by Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli. This indicated a competitive pace from McLaren relative to their rivals.
The upgrades primarily focused on increasing load and grip, which in turn influenced the car’s handling characteristics. Norris commented that the changes seemed to bring a slight improvement in handling feel, although the McLaren MCL40 remains challenging to drive at its limits. This suggests that while the upgrades contributed positively, the car still demands careful management from its drivers.
McLaren’s approach to enhancing load and grip reflects a measured effort to refine the car’s balance rather than overhaul its fundamental behaviour. Norris’s performance in practice sessions, topping FP1 and closely contesting FP2, underlines the incremental gains the team is targeting. Meanwhile, Mercedes’s Kimi Antonelli remained a close benchmark, highlighting the ongoing competition between the two teams.
Oscar Piastri also benefited from the upgrades, although specific feedback from him was not detailed. The improvements follow a trend of gradual progress for McLaren, who have been working to close the gap to the front runners in the championship. However, the car’s tricky nature at the limit remains a factor that the team and drivers continue to manage carefully.
Overall, the Sao Paulo upgrades appear to be part of McLaren’s ongoing development strategy, aiming to enhance performance through better load management and grip. While the gains are not drastic, they contribute to a positive trajectory for the team as they seek to improve their competitiveness in the 2026 Formula 1® season.