League: F1 Sport: Motorsports Country: Global Category: Analysis

McLaren struggles at F1 Sepang despite upgrades and expectations

Motorsport.com • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 6, 2026, 7:20 AM

Last updated Oct 6, 2026

McLaren struggles at F1 Sepang despite upgrades and expectations

Summary

The McLaren Formula 1 team faced difficulties during the weekend at Sepang, a circuit anticipated to favor its MCL40 car. The team arrived at the venue following a challenging race in Baku, where they had also introduced new upgrades. Despite expectations that the higher downforce requirements in Malaysia would benefit their performance, McLaren is investigating the reasons behind its disappointing results. The team aims to resolve any issues as the season progresses, continuing their efforts in the current triple-header schedule.

Source Links

Motorsport.com

Key Details

•McLaren struggled at Sepang during the recent F1 race weekend
•The team faced challenges after a difficult outing in Baku
•Higher downforce demands at Sepang were expected to suit the MCL40
•McLaren is investigating the reasons for their lackluster performance
•The team is in the midst of a triple-header race schedule

Latest Updates

7:20 AMMotorsport.com — What was "weird" about McLaren's poor performance at rough Sepang

What they're saying

"
The McLaren Formula 1 team is digging for reasons why it suffered such a disappointing weekend at Sepang, on a circuit that should have suited the MCL40. On the back of a more difficult weekend on the streets of Baku despite the latest round of car upgrades, McLaren went to the second part of the triple-header with confidence the higher downforce demands in Malaysia should play to its ...Keep reading
— Motorsport.com

Related Teams & Leagues

McLaren F1 Motorsports