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Red Bull Sparks Big McLaren Doubts After Major Leap Forward
Highlights
- McLaren took top two spots at 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix.
- McLaren’s MCL40 upgrades include new floor and aerodynamic parts.
- Laurent Mekies praised McLaren’s Budapest performance as a “big jump.”
- Questions remain if upgrades suit low-drag circuits like Monza.
- Norris secured third consecutive Hungarian GP win in 2026 season.
- Mekies noted Red Bull pushed harder due to McLaren’s progress.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies questions whether McLaren’s upgraded MCL40, which delivered a Budapest 1-2 at the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix, can sustain its form on different circuits.
Mekies labels McLaren’s Budapest step a “big jump” but warns the sample size is one track.
McLaren debuts a new floor and revised front and rear aero aimed at high-downforce performance. Mekies calls it a “big jump” but stresses validation beyond the Hungaroring is essential.
Lando Norris leads a McLaren 1-2, sealing a third consecutive Hungarian GP victory. Max Verstappen follows, as McLaren and Red Bull finish ahead of Ferrari and Mercedes.
Norris secures a third consecutive Hungarian GP win as McLaren completes a 1-2.
Hungary rewards traction and rotation, suiting the MCL40’s short wheelbase and softer ride-height window. As outlined in the McLaren upgrades plan, the floor targets stability and load across tighter corners.
The open question is low-drag efficiency. Monza will expose drag levels, floor robustness at low ride heights, and rear-wing choices, potentially marking a turning point for McLaren.
For Red Bull, Budapest confirms rising pressure. Verstappen’s pace forces a sharper development cadence and greater setup risk, aligning with Red Bull’s goals to protect strengths while addressing medium-speed balance.
Monza will be the litmus test for McLaren’s low-drag efficiency.
Zandvoort’s medium-downforce sweeps and Monza’s power sensitivity provide back-to-back trials. McLaren must prove aero efficiency and correlation, while rivals gauge repeatability and viability of a sustained F1 title push.
Visual Summary
Norris 🏆
Verstappen
?
McLaren launches
the Budapest Leap
the Budapest Leap
1–2 finish, bold upgrades, but: can McLaren fly this high outside Hungary?
🏁 Budapest
Future?
Big gains on tight circuits —
will the upgrades thrive on power tracks like Monza?
will the upgrades thrive on power tracks like Monza?
3×🏆
Norris wins at Hungary (2024–2026)
Norris wins at Hungary (2024–2026)
+1.2s
McLaren’s upgrade pace gap to Red Bull
McLaren’s upgrade pace gap to Red Bull
“Big jump”
Mekies, Red Bull
Mekies, Red Bull
Is this McLaren’s turning point — or just a Budapest bounce?
All eyes on Monza & the Dutch GP: Will the orange leap grow wings on high-speed circuits?
Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.
