McLaren Adds Front Wing & Halo Winglet Upgrade for Canadian GP

McLaren revealed the second part of its MCL40 revamp ahead of the Canadian GP, following the first upgrade package introduced at the Miami GP. The team says the changes are aimed at improving airflow around the car and increasing downforce. The upgrades are visible in a new front wing design and a halo‑mounted winglet, plus tweaks to the floor, engine cover and rear suspension. McLaren hopes the revisions will help it fight for points against the leading teams, especially given its recent form.

The new front wing features a revised flap profile and a narrowed footplate, part of a broader aerodynamic approach. McLaren also added a winglet on top of the halo to improve airflow around the cockpit and the central engine cover. The winglet sits just above the halo’s vertical strut and works with the existing structure to smooth airflow toward the engine cover. Driver Lando Norris noted that Mercedes have historically been strong at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, saying the team needs to see how the Miami upgrades translate to the lower‑grip Montreal track.

By reshaping the front wing and adding the halo winglet, McLaren seeks to condition the air flowing over the car’s surfaces, which can generate more downforce without adding drag. The narrowed footplate reduces turbulence near the front tires, potentially improving front‑end grip. Adjustments to the floor edges and rear wing endplate also aim to increase downforce while managing drag. If the package delivers the expected aerodynamic gains, McLaren could narrow the performance gap to Mercedes in Montreal, though the lower‑grip surface may limit the immediate impact.