McLaren aims for podium pace but finishes P5 and P7 in Texas
Motorsport.com • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 27, 2026, 2:27 PM
Last updated Oct 27, 2026

At the United States Grand Prix, McLaren finished P5 and P7 despite a promising upgrade package. Team officials highlighted that poor qualifying performances hindered their race strategies, forcing them to contend with difficult track positions. This scenario complicated their ability to capitalize on the car's potential speed during the race. Looking ahead, McLaren will analyze data to improve qualifying results for future events.
- •McLaren finished P5 and P7 at the United States Grand Prix.
- •Team’s upgrades were expected to enhance race performance.
- •Poor qualifying laps limited their track position.
- •McLaren faced challenges from running in dirty air during the race.
- •Data analysis post-race is aimed at future improvements.
- 2:27 PMMotorsport.com — McLaren boss claims the MCL40 had podium pace despite a “disappointing” P5 and P7
"In modern Formula 1, raw race pace means absolutely nothing if you completely bottle your qualifying laps on Saturday afternoon. Without track position, you are simply burning up your tyres in dirty air while the race leaders cruise off into the distance. That is the reality McLaren faced at the United States Grand Prix. Despite bringing a highly effective upgrade package to the Circuit of ...Keep reading
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