Significant changes to the technical regulations were introduced for 2026, affecting both the chassis and power unit. In general, these changes simplified the power unit and increased the share of energy generated by the electric motor compared to the combustion engine, as well as reducing the overall size and weight of the car and reducing the amount of downforce aerodynamic surfaces can generate.[citation needed]
Mercedes AMG HPP, McLaren's engine supplier since 2021, was subject to scrutiny over the winter break as it emerged their engine exploited a measurement loophole in the power unit regulations. The compression ratio of the combustion engine was restricted in the 2026 regulations, which would reduce the amount of power the engine could produce. However, the compression ratio was measured by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) at ambient temperatures. Mercedes was able to find a manufacturing technique that would allow the compression ratio to expand when the engine was hot, allowing it to produce more power while still complying with the FIA test.[4]
Auction
Unusually, McLaren auctioned the rights to an MCL40 with RM Sotheby's before the season began.[5][6] The car sold for US$11,480,000. Its owner will be able to select which driver's chassis to receive, and it will be delivered in a running condition in 2028.[7]
The MCL40 used a one-off black and silver geometric livery for the private pre-season test at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.[8] The MCL40 livery is similar to the MCL39, featuring more orange on the engine cover and front wing, and introduces a dark green airbox and mirrors for sponsor Allwyn Entertainment.[9] This maintained McLaren's practice of retaining the livery of a successful car for the following season.[10] As with all McLaren cars since the MCL35, the car's livery is applied with vinyl wrap rather than paint.[11]
Initial design and early development
Initial work on the car began in 2024.[1] Chief designer Rob Marshall stated that McLaren would not deliver any significant changes to the car between the private test and the opening round of the season. Marshall stated McLaren's priority would be understanding how the 2026 regulation cars worked before pursuing performance improvements.[12] Marshall identified packaging for radiators and electrical boxes as a particular challenge given the reduced size of the car.[13]
Competition and development history
Opening rounds
Piastri qualified fifth and Norris sixth for the Australian Grand Prix.[14] Piastri did not start the Grand Prix after crashing on a reconnaissance lap, which he said was caused by "a large element of [him]", but also the energy deployment rules of the electric motor unexpectedly delivering 100 kW more power than expected.[15] Norris finished fifth after battling with Max Verstappen.[16] The following race, the Chinese Grand Prix, was McLaren's 1,000th Grand Prix entry, and after finishing the sprint and fourth and sixth they completely failed to start the race due to power unit issues. This also marked their first double non-start since the 2005 United States Grand Prix.[citation needed]
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