Cost cap leaves Mercedes stalled as Ferrari and McLaren keep upgrading

Mercedes has brought one major upgrade all season — at Canada — with the next not due until October's Malaysia round. McLaren and Ferrari have run extensive development packages throughout 2026. Ferrari is expected to bring a substantial engine upgrade to Monza. Toto Wolff says Mercedes lacks the budget to develop speculatively, splitting spend across the calendar instead. Eleven races remain; Antonelli leads by 59.