George Russell, Mercedes, Miami International Autodrome, 2026

Championship leaders Mercedes have confirmed details of their first major upgrade of the season at this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix.

Their engine customers McLaren have also brought several new parts for this weekend’s race. Red Bull have a smaller selection of new parts, mostly focused at the specific demands of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, but Ferrari have brought nothing new.

Mercedes’ changes are focused on the front wing and suspension as well as the car’s floor. They have lowered the outer elements of the front wing and joined these to the footplate, with corresponding alterations to the endplates. The footplate also features new strakes. These changes, plus a slight reshaping of the brake ‘cake tin’, combine to create better airflow to the rear of the car and increase downforce.

Although the floor regulations for 2026 are much tighter than last year, teams are still finding gains in this area. Mercedes have overhauled theirs to improve the pressure distribution and increase airflow into the diffuser, again to generate more downforce.

McLaren have introduced an array of surface aerodynamic changes, the most significant of which are a new front wing and engine cover. They have also added a winglet to the top of the halo and modified the rear wing endplates.

Red Bull, who made great gains with their changes to the RB22 in Miami, have brought a more modest package this weekend. Their new front wing elements, front brake duct designs and cooling louvres are designed to give them more suitable set-up configurations for this weekend and the following round in Monaco.

Most other teams have also brought upgrades of varying extents this weekend. Alpine has a new floor and rear wing which both Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto will use.

Haas will introduce their first significant upgrade of the championship. They have produced a new floor, sidepod inlet, engine cover and rear suspension for the VF-26.

Aston Martin is the only team besides Ferrari which has not introduced any upgrades to its car, as Honda continues work on solving its vibration and associated problems.

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2026 Canadian Grand Prix

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Keith Collantine

Lifelong motor sport fan Keith set up RaceFans in 2005 – when it was originally called F1 Fanatic. Having previously worked as a motoring journalist, Keith began running the site full-time in 2010, achieving a long-held ambition to dedicate his full attention to his passion for motor racing. View all posts by Keith Collantine