P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren removed its new front wing for F1’s sprint qualifying session at the Canadian Grand Prix because it was not producing the performance expected
McLaren decided to remove its new front wing for the Formula 1 sprint qualifying session in Canada as it did not meet performance expectations. The team introduced a new front wing in Montreal as part of a major upgrade for its 2026 car. Lando Norris tested the new wing in practice, while Oscar Piastri started with the old one. Both drivers switched back to the old front wing for sprint qualifying, citing comfort as a key factor. McLaren’s technical director explained that the previous specification front wing boosted driver confidence and performance. Despite these adjustments, McLaren acknowledges that Mercedes had an advantage in sprint qualifying due to their own developments. Lando Norris hinted at reintroducing the new front wing for races following the Monaco Grand Prix.
