McLaren expressed optimism over being in "the fight at the front" at this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix as they confirmed the introduction of an "experimental rear wing" on the MCL40.
The reigning constructors' champions have yet to claim a grand prix victory in 2026 and have totalled just four podium finishes across the opening six rounds of the season.
Following Lando Norris' third-placed finish last time out in Barcelona, the Woking squad appear to believe there is potential for the reigning world champion or his team-mate Oscar Piastri to be elevated to the top step of the podium in Spielberg.
Neil Houldey, McLaren technical director for applied engineering, said: "Austria has historically been a strong track for us, and while we take nothing for granted in such a tight field, we are optimistic that the car and driver characteristics will again suit the circuit, putting us in the fight at the front."
Houldey also confirmed that McLaren will bring upgrades to the Red Bull Ring as an intense development race continues following the introduction of all-new cars for this season.
Among the new parts will be an "experimental rear wing" that is expected to have similarities with Ferrari's rotating 'Macarena wing', which wowed the paddock when it was first unveiled during pre-season.
Ferrari first ran the part in a competitive session at the Miami Grand Prix, where Red Bull also unveiled their own version of the design, which flips when straight mode is activated.
"We're always looking to make refinements that add performance and lap time to the car," Houldey said.
"For this event, we've focused on minor detail updates around the car's rear corners, as well as an experimental rear wing that will run throughout Friday's sessions.
"While the overall package is lighter than some of our recent updates, these developments are all part of our season-long development pathway, and we're continuing to look for every lap time opportunity wherever we can."
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli revealed on Thursday that Mercedes will have an upgraded energy recovery system - a component on the power unit - to address some of the reliability issues that have recently plagued the Silver Arrows.
George Russell retired from the lead of the Canadian Grand Prix in May with a technical failure, before Antonelli suffered the same fate last time out in Barcelona when running second.
Antonelli's DNF in Spain saw his championship lead over Lewis Hamilton reduced to 41 points as the Brit claimed his first grand prix victory for Ferrari.
"I don't think it's always been related to a temperature issue. This weekend we have a new ERS pack with updates to improve the durability and reliability of the package," said Antonelli.
"The team has been working super hard because definitely we've been suffering from this kind of issue a bit often. But the team has been pushing so hard, and hopefully these first big updates, it's not really about performance, it's about trying to make sure that these issues don't happen again.
"But I'm sure that the team is finding the way, and I think this is a good step forward."
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff added: "Barcelona acted as a benchmark for our current performance and, having won the first six races, offered a reality check.
"Others have gained ground quickly and we need to respond. We are in a fight for both championships but must improve if we want to come out on top come the end of the season.
"Our Achilles heel so far has been reliability. We have lost a large amount of points across both cars in recent races; if we don't put together clean weekends, our competitors will happily take advantage.
"We are not standing still in our efforts; we will bring a few updates to Austria this weekend with a focus on improving both performance and reliability."
Wolff's home event in Austria often produces tight and exciting qualifying contests due to the short nature of the lap and relative lack of corners.
He added: "The margins are tight, and will be even tighter around Spielberg given the length of the lap.
"We need to put together a better weekend than we have in recent races but if we can deliver to our maximum, then we know we can challenge for victory."
Earlier this month, the FIA informed teams where they ranked at the end of the first assessment window for engine upgrades - known as Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO).
With Red Bull deemed to have the 'benchmark' engine, Ferrari were found to be in the group with a deficit of four per cent or more to the best, meaning they qualified for two upgrades this season along with Audi and Aston Martin.
Red Bull have since queried their placing at the head of that ranking with the governing body, although there has been no 'pause' to the ADUO system while those conversations take place.
That means the four manufacturers already granted upgrade opportunities have been free to introduce changes ever since Barcelona. Having anticipated that they would be awarded an ADUO, Ferrari have an upgraded engine and new fuel ready for Austria.
"The team is doing an incredible job in pushing like crazy on every single component of the car," said Charles Leclerc.
"There is the development of these pieces but there's also the production of these pieces, and everybody is just pushing to the maximum, and I think this is the result of it.
"How much of a difference it will make is a bit more a difficult answer to get. But surely it goes in the right direction. But Mercedes has got a big, big advantage, so that's not the only thing we need.
"But everybody's aware and we'll push to the maximum, and anything we can take is a very big positive. And I hope that we will be rewarded like in Barcelona with another win on Sunday."
Friday June 26
8.50am: F3 Practice
10am: F2 Practice
12pm: Austrian GP Practice One (session starts at 12.30pm)
1.55pm: F3 Qualifying
2.30pm: Team bosses' press conference
2.50pm: F2 Qualifying
3.35pm: Austrian GP Practice Two (session starts at 4pm)
5.15pm: The F1 Show
Saturday June 27
9am: F3 Sprint
11.15am: Austrian GP Practice Three (session starts at 11.30am)
1.10pm: F2 Sprint
2.15pm: Austrian GP Qualifying build-up*
3pm: AUSTRIAN GP QUALIFYING*
5pm: Ted's Qualifying Notebook
Sunday June 28
7.35am: F3 Feature Race
9.05am: F2 Feature Race
10.50am: Porsche Supercup
12.30pm: Austrian GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
2pm: THE AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX*
4pm: Austrian GP reaction: Chequered Flag
5pm: Ted's Notebook
*Also on Your Site Main Event
Formula 1's European season continues with the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend, live on Your Site F1.
