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Ferrari

McLaren finally unleash 'H-wing' as Mercedes title pursuit hots up

The upgrades list for the 2026 F1 Italian Grand Prix is in, and McLaren are preparing to unleash a key upgrade.

Norris race Zandvoort
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To news overview © XPBimages

McLaren will finally unleash its version of the 'Macarena' F1 rear wing at the Italian Grand Prix, with the system being dubbed the 'H-wing.'

Ferrari pioneered the system in pre-season testing, with Red Bull following soon after, but McLaren's version has been delayed and was run on-track for the first time in FP1 in Hungary, but not in qualifying or the race.

For Monza, with its straight-line speed demands, the draggy MCL40 machine is to be fitted with the 'H-wing', so-called for the 'H' in sponsor Etihad on the rear wing, akin to the F-duct of 2010 which covered the 'F' in Vodafone, a then sponsor. 

McLaren has also brought "updated floor furniture" to better direct the airflow and improve aerodynamic performance, whilst also trying to shed more drag. 

Elsewhere, Red Bull has some upgrades to the RB22, with a revised floor body aiming to increase local load and aerodynamic stability, with an exhaust tailpipe also being delivered to suit the demands of Monza. A new front wing with tweaked end-plate vanes will also be evaluated. 

Mercedes has not brought any performance upgrades, instead only bringing its low-downforce specification of wings and bodywork, as has Ferrari, whose major work has been done under the engine cover with a new ADUO-upgraded engine. 

The article continues below. 

Elsewhere, Williams has also shipped its low-downforce spec to Monza with no performance upgrades, with Racing Bulls having followed suit, but does have a new exhaust tailpipe aiming to "improve the flow management around the centreline of the car"  to boost performance. 

Aston Martin has brought a new front suspension with revised fairings and a new floor edge for Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, with Haas also bringing a big upgrade as it seeks to recover lost momentum. 

A new floor, bodywork and rear corner will be delivered for Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon, with the general idea being to improve airflow management and increase downforce. 

Alpine has a new front-wing endplate to increase local load and a rear wing tweak with the SM pod fairing removed to boost straight-line speed. 

Cadillac has a new floor and diffuser sidewall vane to increase load at the rear of the car. 

Audi has submitted no upgrades for the weekend. 

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