McLaren is bringing reinforcements to Austin. The reigning world champions will introduce “a modest selection of upgrades” at this weekend’s United States Grand Prix — targeting braking reliability and performance plus small floor changes — as they try to fend off a resurgent Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship.
The numbers show why. McLaren still sits third with six rounds to go, but a 76-point cushion over fourth-placed Red Bull has melted to just seven. Over the recent triple-header, McLaren failed to score a single podium and managed a 33-point haul the team itself called “significantly short of expectations” — while Red Bull banked four top-three finishes, including two Max Verstappen wins.
Self-inflicted wounds haven’t helped. In Singapore, Lando Norris’s late lunge on teammate Oscar Piastri in the Sprint wiped out eight points, and Norris later admitted the move was ill-advised. Sky Sports’ Bernie Collins reckons McLaren currently has “the fourth-fastest car” — with Red Bull the fastest or second-fastest at most tracks.
Chief technical officer Rob Marshall believes Austin suits the car better: “The last few races have not been great for us, but I think we’re getting stronger again and Austin is probably a better circuit for our car.” Sunday’s race is also the weekend Kimi Antonelli could seal the drivers’ title (as La Momentum previewed). For McLaren, though, the immediate prize is simpler: keep Red Bull behind them.
Photo: Sky Sports
Source: Sky Sports, October 22, 2026
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