McLaren gets latest Mercedes F1 engine two races after works team

Both McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will receive Mercedes' latest-specification power unit at the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix, two rounds after it debuted in the factory Mercedes cars driven by Kimi Antonelli and George Russell in Austria. Alpine and Williams received the updated engine one week later at Silverstone, while McLaren delayed the swap due to remaining mileage on existing units following significant reliability problems earlier in the season, including battery issues that prevented both drivers from starting the Chinese GP in March. McLaren will also debut a brand-new rear wing at Spa, to be tested during Friday practice sessions.