Austria Notebook: McLaren, Aston Martin and Audi Face Big Questions

Austria again put McLaren, Aston Martin and Honda under pressure as Formula 1 moved on from the Austrian Grand Prix, with multiple upgrade plans delayed or paused. McLaren did not run an experimental “macarena” rear wing on the MCL40, because it failed to perform to expectations during final sign-off tests in the garage. Applied Technical Director Neil Houldey said the team will instead keep improving its existing package, after Oscar Piastri finished fourth and Lando Norris seventh. Honda said it does not expect “miracles” from its 2026 engine update, targeting one larger FIA ADUO development step, with timing still undecided before the July 25–27 Hungarian GP. Aston Martin similarly held back major aero changes for its AMR26, saying Mike Krack’s team will bring upgrades only when ready, potentially affecting Fernando Alonso’s 2027 plans after summer recess.