McLaren MCL35

James Key was recruited from Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2019 to replace the outgoing Tim Goss,{{cite news|last1=Beer|first1=Matt|title=Toro Rosso: Key to join McLaren as F1 technical boss after Melbourne|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/141698/key-to-join-mclaren-after-2019-melbourne-race|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|url-access=limited|access-date=26 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225232631/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/141698/key-to-join-mclaren-after-2019-melbourne-race|archive-date=25 December 2019|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|last=Saunders|first=Nate|date=26 July 2018|title=McLaren signs technical director James Key from Toro Rosso|url=https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/24196961/mclaren-signs-technical-director-key-toro-rosso|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2021|website=ESPN.com|publisher=ESPN Inc.|language=en|archive-date=21 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821002738/https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/24196961/mclaren-signs-technical-director-key-toro-rosso}} and was the MCL35's lead designer.{{Cite web|date=20 December 2018|title=Zak Brown Q&A|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/team/zak-brown-q-a-3166752/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191201093143/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/team/zak-brown-q-a-3166752/|archive-date=1 December 2019|access-date=22 November 2019|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en}} In October 2019 team principal Andreas Seidl stated very little of the MCL34 would be carried over to the MCL35,{{Cite web|last=Coch|first=Mat|date=18 October 2019|title=McLaren developing all-new car for 2020|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2019/10/18/mclaren-developing-all-new-car-for-2020/|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2021|website=Speedcafe.com|publisher=Speedcafe|language=en-US|archive-date=21 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821002739/https://www.speedcafe.com/2019/10/18/mclaren-developing-all-new-car-for-2020/}} with the aim of reducing the overall pace deficit to the leading teams which at that point was still over a second.{{Cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.fia-friday-press-conference-mexico-2019.gwEjZLQXRLH2LuhWfH5wR.html|title=FIA Friday press conference – Mexico|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028215243/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.fia-friday-press-conference-mexico-2019.gwEjZLQXRLH2LuhWfH5wR.html|archive-date=28 October 2019|access-date=22 November 2019}} Lando Norris stated that one of the team's major areas of focus was to improve the MCL35's cornering capability.{{Cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/147864/norris-mclaren-working-on-cornering-weakness|title=Norris: McLaren working to solve F1 cornering weakness for 2020 car|last=Kalinauckas|first=Alex|date=11 January 2020|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|url-access=limited|language=en|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111215424/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/147864/norris-mclaren-working-on-cornering-weakness|archive-date=11 January 2020|access-date=12 January 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/norris-sainz-relationship-only-benefits-mclaren/|title=Lando Norris: Carlos Sainz relationship only 'benefits' McLaren|last=|first=|date=11 January 2020|website=PlanetF1|publisher=Planet Sport Publishing|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112122331/https://www.planetf1.com/news/norris-sainz-relationship-only-benefits-mclaren/|archive-date=12 January 2020|access-date=12 January 2020}}

Compared to the MCL34, the MCL35 design had a greater emphasis on the outwash effect – moving air around the tyre rather than over it – and a higher rear rake. The front wing also had increased outboard loading in order to maximize downforce.{{Cite web|last=Hughes|first=Mark|author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist)|date=13 February 2020|title=Our first take on McLaren's 2020 MCL35|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.rapid-reaction-our-first-take-on-mclarens-2020-mcl35.6oNMm4ZqUceTWdNn3zxD02.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810230714/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.rapid-reaction-our-first-take-on-mclarens-2020-mcl35.6oNMm4ZqUceTWdNn3zxD02.html|archive-date=10 August 2020|access-date=19 November 2020|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en}} The MCL35 featured a thinner nose and a more complex bargeboard,{{Cite web|last=Wood|first=Ryan|date=13 February 2020|title=Sliders: Compare the McLaren MCL34 and MCL35|url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/2020/02/13/sliders-compare-the-mclaren-mcl34-and-mcl35/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820170117/https://www.motorsportweek.com/2020/02/13/sliders-compare-the-mclaren-mcl34-and-mcl35/|archive-date=20 August 2020|access-date=27 August 2020|website=Motorsport Week|publisher=Motorsport Media Services Ltd|language=en-GB}}{{Cite web|last1=Piola|first1=Giorgio|last2=Somerfield|first2=Matthew|date=14 February 2020|title=Tech analysis: Does new McLaren boast the key ingredients?|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/new-mclaren-analysis-tech-ingredients/4684856/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227235811/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/new-mclaren-analysis-tech-ingredients/4684856/|archive-date=27 February 2020|access-date=19 November 2020|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}} with more space between the front axle and the sidepods to better meet the cooling requirements of the Renault engine. The car utilized a much slimmer sidepod profile,{{Cite web|last=Cobb|first=Haydn|date=13 February 2020|title=McLaren MCL35 tighter bodywork, matte paint has clear benefits – Key|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/935955/1/mclaren-mcl35-tighter-bodywork-matte-paint-has-clear-benefits-key|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213185944/https://www.crash.net/f1/news/935955/1/mclaren-mcl35-tighter-bodywork-matte-paint-has-clear-benefits-key|archive-date=13 February 2020|access-date=6 September 2020|website=Crash|publisher=Crash Media Group|language=en}} with re-designed brake ducts to increase cooling ability over its predecessor.{{Cite web|last=Hatton|first=Gemma|date=2020|title=McLaren MCL35|url=https://www.racecar-engineering.com/cars/mclaren-mcl35/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803123618/https://www.racecar-engineering.com/cars/mclaren-mcl35/|archive-date=3 August 2020|access-date=19 November 2020|website=Racecar Engineering|publisher=Chelsea Magazine Company|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last1=Piola|first1=Giorgio|last2=Somerfield|first2=Matthew|date=10 September 2020|title=The car changes that have helped McLaren shine in 2020|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-car-changes-that-have-helped-mclaren-shine-in-2020/4871583/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928124225/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-car-changes-that-have-helped-mclaren-shine-in-2020/4871583/|archive-date=28 September 2020|access-date=10 December 2020|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}} Key explained that the suspension geometry of the MCL35 had been redesigned to incorporate developments the team had not been able to implement on the MCL34,{{Cite web|last=Cooper|first=Adam|date=13 February 2020|title=Key: 2020 McLaren features "new concepts" both front and rear|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/148244/key-2020-mclaren-features-new-concepts|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228110752/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/148244/key-2020-mclaren-features-new-concepts|archive-date=28 February 2020|access-date=6 September 2020|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|url-access=limited|language=en}} which included the repositioning of both the upper and lower wishbone elements to influence airflow over the bargeboards and floor.

The success of both the MCL35 and the MCL35M have been in part credited to a change in design process from their predecessors, which emphasised the car as a whole and its performance relative to its competitors rather than the performance of individual components.{{Cite web|last1=Noble|first1=Jonathan|last2=Smith|first2=Luke|date=15 October 2021|title=How a change of mindset helped McLaren design an F1 winner|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/how-a-change-of-mindset-helped-mclaren-design-an-f1-winner/6686899/?_bta_tid=08489787495476429860208380249881424222214866164612947509275249585211713297142278709942017291678901309195|url-access=limited|url-status=live|access-date=16 October 2021|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=15 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015234257/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/how-a-change-of-mindset-helped-mclaren-design-an-f1-winner/6686899/?_bta_tid=08489787495476429860208380249881424222214866164612947509275249585211713297142278709942017291678901309195}}

{{See also|2020 Formula One World Championship#Solidarity campaign|Formula One sponsorship liveries#McLaren}}

The MCL35 and its livery were originally unveiled in February 2020, featuring the McLaren corporate colour of papaya and blue.{{Cite web|date=25 February 2018|title=McLaren & Papaya|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2018/car-launch/mclaren-and-papaya-2174925/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122122501/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2018/car-launch/mclaren-and-papaya-2174925/|archive-date=22 January 2021|access-date=4 May 2021|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en|quote=In fact, just a week earlier McLaren had debuted the colours with which it would become synonymous. It was during the course of 1967 that the idea of going to papaya – and eventually creating what we'd now call a "corporate identity" – first emerged.}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=13 February 2020|title=McLaren reveals the MCL35 to the world|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/car-launch/mclaren-reveals-mcl35-world/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522084416/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/car-launch/mclaren-reveals-mcl35-world/|archive-date=22 May 2020|access-date=6 September 2020|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en}} Prior to the first race of the season in Austria, McLaren revealed the addition of a rainbow graphic on the sidepod and halo in recognition of Formula One's #WeRaceAsOne campaign.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=22 June 2020|title=McLaren Racing supports Formula 1's #WeRaceAsOne campaign|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/team/mclaren-racing-supports-formula-1s-weraceasone-campaign/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712202643/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/team/mclaren-racing-supports-formula-1s-weraceasone-campaign/|archive-date=12 July 2020|access-date=6 September 2020|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Cleeren|first=Filip|date=2 July 2020|title=McLaren tweaks F1 livery to support diversity campaign|url=https://uk.motor1.com/news/431831/mclaren-revised-2020-rainbow-livery/|url-status=live|access-date=6 September 2021|website=Motor1.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en-gb|archive-date=6 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906082959/https://uk.motor1.com/news/431831/mclaren-revised-2020-rainbow-livery/}} The changes were interpreted by some as representing the LGBT+ rainbow flag, but McLaren stated the rainbow represented their support for diversity in general and provided recognition for essential workers rather than for any specific cause.{{Cite web|last=Duffy|first=Nick|date=11 August 2020|title=F1 driver Lando Norris has an amazing rainbow race suit – but apparently it's a 'universal symbol of unity' for coronavirus key workers|url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2020/08/11/f1-driver-lando-norris-rainbow-race-suit-coronavirus-key-workers/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820200747/https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2020/08/11/f1-driver-lando-norris-rainbow-race-suit-coronavirus-key-workers/|archive-date=20 August 2020|access-date=6 September 2020|website=PinkNews|language=en-GB}}

In contrast to the MCL34 and its glossy paintwork, the MCL35 was the first McLaren car to be wrapped with vinyl rather than painted,{{Efn|Certain areas of the bodywork, namely the halo and heat-sensitive areas, are still painted.{{Cite web |date=2021-12-15 |title=Question time |url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/inside-the-mtc/question-time/ |access-date=2022-06-26 |website=McLaren Racing |publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd. |language=en}}}}{{harvnb|Youson|2021|p=9}} featuring a matte finish and greater use of black in order to lower the weight of the car and reduce the time required to prepare bodywork.{{Cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=13 February 2020|title=Key explains lighter paint and tighter bodywork on his first McLaren|url=https://www.racefans.net/2020/02/13/key-explains-lighter-paint-and-tighter-bodywork-on-his-first-mclaren/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906110445/https://www.racefans.net/2020/02/13/key-explains-lighter-paint-and-tighter-bodywork-on-his-first-mclaren/|archive-date=6 September 2020|access-date=6 September 2020|website=RaceFans}}

{{See also|2021 Formula One World Championship#Regulation changes}}

Aside from minor upgrades, 2020-specification cars were meant to be kept largely unchanged for the 2021 season in order to limit the financial strain on teams that would be incurred by developing a new car under the already fragile financial conditions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since McLaren had already signed a contract to use Mercedes engines in 2021, they received special permission – subject to FIA inspection – to modify their chassis to accommodate the new engine.{{Cite web|last=Edmondson|first=Laurence|date=16 April 2020|title=FIA will closely monitor McLaren's engine switch|url=https://www.espn.com.au/f1/story/_/id/29043314/fia-closely-monitor-mclaren-switch-mercedes-power|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616025912/https://www.espn.com.au/f1/story/_/id/29043314/fia-closely-monitor-mclaren-switch-mercedes-power|archive-date=16 June 2020|access-date=16 June 2020|website=ESPN.com|language=en}} This requirement led directly to Formula One's adoption of a token-based system for 2021 vehicle development.{{Cite web|last=Cooper|first=Adam|date=16 June 2020|title=R&D token flexibility "a good compromise" – Brawn|url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/token-flexibility-good-compromise-brawn/4807654/|url-status=live|access-date=6 September 2021|website=Motorsport.com Australia|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=6 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906083002/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/token-flexibility-good-compromise-brawn/4807654/}} Despite switching engine suppliers, McLaren did not switch gearboxes and continued to design and manufacture their own.{{Cite web|last=Carvalho|first=Ronan|date=27 July 2020|title=Seidl Reveals What McLaren Won't be Getting From 2021 Mercedes Switch|url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-seidl-reveals-what-mercedes-wont-give-mclaren-f1-ahead-of-2021-engine-switch/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830105554/https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-seidl-reveals-what-mercedes-wont-give-mclaren-f1-ahead-of-2021-engine-switch/|archive-date=30 August 2020|access-date=12 August 2020|website=EssentiallySports|language=en-US}}

Key stated in November 2020 that the planning for the switch had gone smoothly, with the MCL35M to feature "a couple of changes to architecture [made] necessary by the shape of the engine compared to this year's. But it's not fundamentally different." However, Key also stated that the aerodynamic potential of the car could not be maximized due to the FIA's token system,{{Cite web|last1=Rencken|first1=Dieter|last2=Collantine|first2=Keith|date=3 November 2020|title="No nasty surprises" designing Mercedes installation for McLaren MCL35M – Key|url=https://www.racefans.net/2020/11/03/no-nasty-surprises-designing-mercedes-installation-for-mclaren-mcl35m-key/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110112152/https://www.racefans.net/2020/11/03/no-nasty-surprises-designing-mercedes-installation-for-mclaren-mcl35m-key/|archive-date=10 November 2020|access-date=3 November 2020|website=RaceFans|language=en-GB}} leading McLaren to implement most chassis upgrades and some aerodynamic changes before the switch in the 2020 season.{{Cite web|last1=Rencken|first1=Dieter|last2=Collantine|first2=Keith|date=23 October 2020|title=McLaren plan more updates this year due to lack of 'chassis tokens' for 2021|url=https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/23/mclaren-plan-more-updates-this-year-due-to-lack-of-chassis-tokens-for-2021/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101102425/https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/23/mclaren-plan-more-updates-this-year-due-to-lack-of-chassis-tokens-for-2021/|archive-date=1 November 2020|access-date=20 November 2020|website=RaceFans|language=en-GB}}{{Cite web|last=Cleeren|first=Filip|date=30 December 2020|title=Fast-tracking upgrades key to McLaren F1 progress – Seidl|url=https://uk.motor1.com/news/463151/fast-tracking-upgrades-key-mclaren-f1-progress/|url-status=live|access-date=6 September 2021|website=Motor1.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en-gb|archive-date=6 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906083001/https://uk.motor1.com/news/463151/fast-tracking-upgrades-key-mclaren-f1-progress/}} In a post-season statement, Key said that knowing the team would be restricted for development in 2021 "changed our approach when it came to developments this [2020] season."{{Cite web|last=Larkam|first=Lewis|date=23 December 2020|title=McLaren confident of addressing F1 car weaknesses despite Mercedes engine switch|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/950473/1/mclaren-confident-addressing-f1-car-weaknesses-despite-mercedes-engine-switch|url-status=live|access-date=6 September 2021|website=Crash|publisher=Crash Media Group|language=en|archive-date=19 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619040813/https://www.crash.net/f1/news/950473/1/mclaren-confident-addressing-f1-car-weaknesses-despite-mercedes-engine-switch}}

{{See also|2020 Formula One pre-season testing|2020 Australian Grand Prix}}

{{multiple image

| image1 = Carlos Sainz, 2020 pre-season testing.jpg

| alt1 = Sainz during pre-season testing.

| caption1 = Sainz during pre-season testing.

| image2 = Lando Norris-McLaren MCL 35 (2).jpg

| alt2 = Norris during pre-season testing.

| caption2 = Norris during pre-season testing.

| align = left

| total_width = 400

}}

Prior to the beginning of the 2020 season, the team publicly established their aim to defend their status as 'best of the rest' – fourth place in the Constructors' Championship behind the then-leading trio of Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull – and close the gap to those respective teams.{{Cite web|date=29 October 2019|title=Seidl: Big changes to McLaren concept for 2020|url=https://formulaspy.com/f1/seidl-big-changes-to-mclaren-concept-for-2020-65715|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105091529/https://formulaspy.com/f1/seidl-big-changes-to-mclaren-concept-for-2020-65715|archive-date=5 November 2019|access-date=22 November 2019|website=FormulaSpy|language=en-GB}}{{Cite web|last=Lewin|first=Andrew|date=2 February 2020|title=Seidl: Holding on to fourth 'best McLaren can do' in 2020|url=https://f1i.com/news/366755-seidl-holding-on-to-fourth-best-mclaren-can-do-in-2020.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830105525/https://f1i.com/news/366755-seidl-holding-on-to-fourth-best-mclaren-can-do-in-2020.html|archive-date=30 August 2020|access-date=6 July 2020|website=F1i.com|publisher=Digital Motorsport Media|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=29 June 2020|title='Every point absolutely crucial' says Carlos Sainz as McLaren begin 'best of the rest' defence|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.every-point-absolutely-crucial-says-sainz-as-mclaren-begin-best-of-the-rest.7zoJ8MlLn0i3uTIpGRfbKp.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701183107/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.every-point-absolutely-crucial-says-sainz-as-mclaren-begin-best-of-the-rest.7zoJ8MlLn0i3uTIpGRfbKp.html|archive-date=1 July 2020|access-date=6 July 2020|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en}} In pre-season testing however, Racing Point, whose car strongly resembled the 2019 Mercedes car,{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=20 February 2020|title=Rival teams unhappy with RP20 being 'Mercedes copy'|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/racing-point-mercedes/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614030240/https://www.planetf1.com/news/racing-point-mercedes/|archive-date=14 June 2020|access-date=6 July 2020|website=PlanetF1|publisher=Planet Sport Publishing|language=en}} was very quick compared to the other midfield teams and caused McLaren to be less than optimistic about their chances to secure fourth place.{{Cite web|last=Parkes|first=Ian|date=24 June 2020|title=McLaren worried by challenge from "what appears to be last year's Mercedes"|url=https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/53565/mclaren-worried-by-challenge-from-what-appears-to-be-last-year-s-mercedes/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629214611/https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/53565/mclaren-worried-by-challenge-from-what-appears-to-be-last-year-s-mercedes/|archive-date=29 June 2020|access-date=6 July 2020|website=GPfans}} Despite this, Sainz said that he was "shocked in a good way" by the MCL35's performance compared to its predecessor,{{Cite web|last=van Osten|first=Phillip|date=1 March 2020|title=Sainz: McLaren 'shocked' by performance of MCL35|url=https://f1i.com/news/369338-sainz-mclaren-shocked-by-performance-of-mcl35.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921121233/https://f1i.com/news/369338-sainz-mclaren-shocked-by-performance-of-mcl35.html|archive-date=21 September 2020|access-date=21 September 2020|website=F1i.com|publisher=Digital Motorsport Media|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=20 February 2020|title=McLaren's Carlos Sainz says 'The car feels amazing' after first day of testing with 2020 F1 challenger|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.the-car-feels-amazing-says-sainz-after-first-laps-in-the-mcl35.3WS1rFYmBOb83aXuj7Ow3E.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403130044/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.the-car-feels-amazing-says-sainz-after-first-laps-in-the-mcl35.3WS1rFYmBOb83aXuj7Ow3E.html|archive-date=3 April 2020|access-date=21 September 2020|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en}} and the team said they were happy with the car's pace.{{Cite web|last=Aggarwal|first=Abhay|date=24 February 2020|title=Mclaren F1 Team Boss Delivers a Positive News After Pre-Season Testing|url=https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-mclaren-f1-team-boss-delivers-a-positive-news-after-pre-season-testing/|access-date=21 September 2020|website=EssentiallySports|language=en-US|archive-date=14 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414025200/https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-mclaren-f1-team-boss-delivers-a-positive-news-after-pre-season-testing/|url-status=live}} Key would later say that "we didn't really show our pace in winter testing."{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=21 December 2020|title=2020 in review|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/team/james-key-and-andrea-stella-qa-2020/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222134426/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/team/james-key-and-andrea-stella-qa-2020/|archive-date=22 December 2020|access-date=22 December 2020|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd|language=en}}

After McLaren's withdrawal from the Australian Grand Prix and the race's subsequent cancellation,{{cite news|last=Coch|first=Mat|date=13 March 2020|title=Confirmed: F1 cancelled at Australian Grand Prix|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2020/03/13/confirmed-australian-grand-prix-cancelled/|url-status=dead|access-date=13 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410140234/https://www.speedcafe.com/2020/03/13/confirmed-australian-grand-prix-cancelled/|archive-date=10 April 2020|website=Speedcafe.com|publisher=Speedcafe}} the season was heavily disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the calendar was reorganized which delayed the car's début for several months. Prior to the opening round, Renault stated that they would not provide any upgrades to the E-Tech 20 engine.{{Efn|In comparison, both the Mercedes M11{{Cite web|date=2 July 2020|title=Mercedes to run reliability-focused engine upgrade in Austria|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mercedes-to-run-reliability-focused-engine-upgrade-in-austria.1c6fGf4cLWP52KibLJpUzw.html|url-status=live|access-date=11 June 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|archive-date=23 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123003239/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mercedes-to-run-reliability-focused-engine-upgrade-in-austria.1c6fGf4cLWP52KibLJpUzw.html}} and Honda RA620H{{Cite web|last=Barretto|first=Lawrence|date=29 June 2020|title=Red Bull and AlphaTauri to benefit from new-spec Honda power unit in Austria|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.red-bull-and-alphatauri-to-benefit-from-new-spec-honda-power-unit-in-austria.FdyloG4gxalaxrecFliDk.html|url-status=live|access-date=11 June 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|archive-date=23 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123090521/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.red-bull-and-alphatauri-to-benefit-from-new-spec-honda-power-unit-in-austria.FdyloG4gxalaxrecFliDk.html}} received upgrades at the Austrian Grand Prix, while the Ferrari 065 did not receive any upgrades.{{Cite web|date=30 June 2020|title=Ferrari plan 'significant' change of development direction – but no power unit upgrade|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.ferrari-plan-significant-change-of-development-direction-but-no-power-unit.5ycfKDbDebduZlwXi3XXFI.html|url-status=live|access-date=11 June 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|archive-date=27 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227070447/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.ferrari-plan-significant-change-of-development-direction-but-no-power-unit.5ycfKDbDebduZlwXi3XXFI.html}}}} Therefore, the MCL35 used the same specification engine for the entire 2020 season.{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Luke|date=3 July 2020|title=Renault confirms it will have no F1 engine upgrades throughout 2020|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/150305/renault-confirms-no-f1-engine-upgrades-for-2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824165524/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/150305/renault-confirms-no-f1-engine-upgrades-for-2020|archive-date=24 August 2020|access-date=7 September 2020|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|url-access=limited|language=en}}

McLaren used a new floor, diffuser, and brake ducts at the Austrian Grand Prix as well as a tweaked front wing.{{Cite web|last=Jackson|first=Miriam|date=3 July 2020|title=Latest Austrian GP technical developments|url=https://theunionjournal.com/latest-austrian-gp-technical-developments/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830105519/https://theunionjournal.com/latest-austrian-gp-technical-developments/|archive-date=30 August 2020|access-date=6 July 2020|website=The Union Journal|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=29 June 2020|title=Everything you need to know for the Austrian & Styrian Grands Prix|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/austrian-grand-prix/everything-you-need-know-austria/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702113056/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/austrian-grand-prix/everything-you-need-know-austria/|archive-date=2 July 2020|access-date=6 July 2020|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en}} Sainz qualified eighth, while Norris qualified fourth and was promoted to third after a penalty was given to Lewis Hamilton,{{Cite web|last=Hall|first=Sam|date=5 June 2020|title=Three-place grid penalty for Hamilton after qualifying decision review|url=https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/53937/three-place-grid-penalty-for-hamilton-after-qualifying-decision-review/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830105519/https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/53937/three-place-grid-penalty-for-hamilton-after-qualifying-decision-review/|archive-date=30 August 2020|access-date=6 July 2020|website=GPfans|language=en}} achieving McLaren's best grid start since the 2016 Austrian Grand Prix.{{Cite web|last=Galloway|first=James|date=5 July 2020|title=McLaren on F1 second row for first time since 2016 at Austrian GP|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12021303/mclaren-on-f1-second-row-for-first-time-since-2016-at-austrian-gp|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830105522/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12021303/mclaren-on-f1-second-row-for-first-time-since-2016-at-austrian-gp|archive-date=30 August 2020|access-date=6 July 2020|website=Sky Sports F1|publisher=Sky Group Limited|language=en}} After Norris lost positions in the opening laps to Hamilton and Alex Albon, both McLarens ran comfortably in the top ten for the remainder of the race. In the closing laps, Hamilton collided with Albon and was given a five-second penalty.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=5 July 2020|title=Hamilton accepts penalty for Albon clash as he admits he 'can't believe it happened again'|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-accepts-penalty-for-albon-clash-as-he-admits-he-cant-believe-it.2BxDrQ94Ekliz768VOHtYT.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830105536/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-accepts-penalty-for-albon-clash-as-he-admits-he-cant-believe-it.2BxDrQ94Ekliz768VOHtYT.html|archive-date=30 August 2020|access-date=6 July 2020|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en}} On the final lap, Norris (then in fifth) overtook Sergio Pérez and set his first fastest lap to finish within five seconds of Hamilton, achieving his first Formula One podium.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=5 July 2020|title=FIA post-race press conference – Austria|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.fia-post-race-press-conference-austria-2020.63Hob5aikyzzGNW1z5ApPy.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830105541/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.fia-post-race-press-conference-austria-2020.63Hob5aikyzzGNW1z5ApPy.html|archive-date=30 August 2020|access-date=6 July 2020|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en}} Sainz finished fifth after also overtaking Pérez. This was McLaren's second podium in three races after the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix, in contrast to their previous gap of 118 races.{{Cite web|date=18 November 2019|title=Brazilian GP: Carlos Sainz Claims McLaren's 1st Podium Since 2014 after 'Unbelievable' Race|url=https://www.news18.com/news/formula-one/brazilian-gp-carlos-sainz-claims-mclarens-1st-podium-since-2014-after-unbelievable-race-2390307.html|access-date=6 July 2020|website=News18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191118153314/https://www.news18.com/news/formula-one/brazilian-gp-carlos-sainz-claims-mclarens-1st-podium-since-2014-after-unbelievable-race-2390307.html|archive-date=18 November 2019|url-status=live}} The result placed McLaren second in the World Constructors' Championship (WCC) behind Mercedes, with Norris third and Sainz fifth in the World Drivers' Championship (WDC).{{Cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=5 July 2020|title=2020 Austrian Grand Prix F1 championship points|url=https://www.racefans.net/2020/07/05/2020-austrian-grand-prix-championship-points/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113075437/https://www.racefans.net/2020/07/05/2020-austrian-grand-prix-championship-points/|archive-date=13 January 2021|access-date=8 January 2021|website=RaceFans|language=en-GB}} In an article on strategy calls published in 2021, the team said the result was possible because of the "flawless" double-stacked pit stop allowing Norris to be in position to capitalize on Hamilton's penalty.{{Cite web|date=4 March 2021|title=Now that's what I call strategy|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/partners/fxpro/strategy-hits/|url-status=live|access-date=5 March 2021|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en|archive-date=27 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327035232/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/partners/fxpro/strategy-hits/}}

McLaren used a new chin spoiler design during the Styrian Grand Prix.{{Cite web|last1=Piola|first1=Giorgio|last2=Somerfield|first2=Matthew|date=10 July 2020|title=Styrian GP: Latest key F1 technical developments|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/styrian-gp-latest-technical-development/4830507/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830105611/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/styrian-gp-latest-technical-development/4830507/amp/|archive-date=30 August 2020|access-date=11 July 2020|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}} Sainz qualified third, the best outright qualifying position for McLaren since {{F1|2014}}.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=11 July 2020|title=2020 Styrian Grand Prix – Qualifying|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/styrian-grand-prix/2020-styrian-grand-prix-qualifying/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712010119/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/styrian-grand-prix/2020-styrian-grand-prix-qualifying/|archive-date=12 July 2020|access-date=12 July 2020|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en}} Norris qualified sixth but was demoted to ninth due to a penalty from practice.{{Cite web|last=Bradley|first=Charles|date=12 July 2020|title=2020 F1 Styrian Grand Prix qualifying results and grid|url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/styrian-grand-prix-qualifying-results/4831165/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712051019/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/styrian-grand-prix-qualifying-results/4831165/|archive-date=12 July 2020|access-date=12 July 2020|website=Motorsport.com Australia|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}} Norris finished fifth after overtaking both Racing Point drivers on the final lap,{{Cite web |last=McMurtry |first=Andrew |date=12 July 2020 |title=2020 Styrian F1 Grand Prix |url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/motorsport/formula-one/all-the-live-updates-from-the-2020-styrian-f1-grand-prix/live-coverage/50cc2e0df9c43208901cb1e7fe2f4fd5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712131154/https://www.news.com.au/sport/motorsport/formula-one/all-the-live-updates-from-the-2020-styrian-f1-grand-prix/live-coverage/50cc2e0df9c43208901cb1e7fe2f4fd5 |archive-date=12 July 2020 |access-date=12 July 2020 |website=news.com.au |publisher=News Corp Australia |language=en}} while Sainz finished ninth and set the fastest lap and a new track record in the process,{{Cite web|last=Herrero|first=Daniel|date=12 July 2020|title=Hamilton dominates Styrian GP amid Ferrari disaster|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2020/07/13/hamilton-dominates-styrian-gp-amid-ferrari-disaster/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830105554/https://www.speedcafe.com/2020/07/13/hamilton-dominates-styrian-gp-amid-ferrari-disaster/|archive-date=30 August 2020|access-date=12 July 2020|website=Speedcafe.com|publisher=Speedcafe|language=en-US}} a record which still stands {{As of|2024|alt=as of the}} 2024 Austrian Grand Prix. Sainz fell to seventh in the WDC.{{Cite web|last=Bradley|first=Charles|date=12 July 2020|title=2020 F1 World Championship points after Styrian Grand Prix|url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-world-championship-points-styrian-grand-prix/4832419/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110141211/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-world-championship-points-styrian-grand-prix/4832419/|archive-date=10 January 2021|access-date=8 January 2021|website=Motorsport.com Australia|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}}

McLaren used a new engine cover and T-wing{{efn|A T-wing is a smaller, secondary wing which is attached to the rear engine cover to improve airflow to the rear wing and diffuser.{{Cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/t-wing-loophole-creates-new-tech-battleground-for-2018-f1-season-4987005/4987005/|title=T-wing loophole creates new tech battleground for 2018 F1 season|url-access=limited|work=Autosport|date=25 January 2018|access-date=7 May 2021|last1=Noble|first1=Jonathan|last2=Piola|first2=Giorgio|publisher=Motorsport Network|archive-date=7 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507094954/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/t-wing-loophole-creates-new-tech-battleground-for-2018-f1-season-4987005/4987005/|url-status=live}}}} design during the Hungarian Grand Prix.{{Cite web |last=Sommerfield |first=Matthew |date=18 July 2020 |title=Hungarian GP: F1 technical developments direct from the track |url=https://au.sports.yahoo.com/hungarian-gp-f1-technical-developments-193007042.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720013949/https://au.sports.yahoo.com/hungarian-gp-f1-technical-developments-193007042.html |archive-date=20 July 2020 |access-date=20 July 2020 |website=Yahoo Sports Australia |publisher=Verizon Media |language=en-AU |agency=Motorsport Network}} Norris qualified eighth and Sainz ninth.{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Luke|date=19 July 2020|title=McLaren: Hungarian GP qualifying 'more realistic' showing of F1 team's pace|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/150699/mclaren-hungary-qualifying-result-more-realistic|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726121357/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/150699/mclaren-hungary-qualifying-result-more-realistic|archive-date=26 July 2020|access-date=26 July 2020|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|url-access=limited|language=en}} Both drivers lost positions changing tyres on lap four, being held up by traffic in the pit lane.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=19 July 2020|title=McLaren F1 Hungarian Grand-Prix race review and quotes - automobilsport.com|url=http://www.automobilsport.com/race-categories--24,209340,McLaren-F1-Hungarian-Grand-Prix-race-review-and-quotes,news.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726122447/http://www.automobilsport.com/race-categories--24,209340,McLaren-F1-Hungarian-Grand-Prix-race-review-and-quotes,news.htm|archive-date=26 July 2020|access-date=26 July 2020|website=AutoMobilSport.com}} Norris finished thirteenth. Sainz finished tenth and was promoted to ninth after Haas driver Kevin Magnussen received a penalty.{{Cite web|last=McDonagh|first=Connor|date=19 July 2020|title=Both Haas F1 drivers handed 10s penalties for F1 Hungarian GP|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/940195/1/both-haas-f1-drivers-handed-10s-penalties-f1-hungarian-gp|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726124306/https://www.crash.net/f1/news/940195/1/both-haas-f1-drivers-handed-10s-penalties-f1-hungarian-gp|archive-date=26 July 2020|access-date=26 July 2020|website=Crash|publisher=Crash Media Group|language=en}} Norris fell to fourth and Sainz to ninth in the WDC, while the team was overtaken by Red Bull in the WCC.{{Cite web|last=Bradley|first=Charles|date=19 July 2020|title=2020 F1 World Championship points after Hungarian Grand Prix|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/world-championship-points-hungarian-gp/4840368/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109102156/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/world-championship-points-hungarian-gp/4840368/|archive-date=9 January 2021|access-date=8 January 2021|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}}

At the British Grand Prix, McLaren removed the T-wing and reverted their engine cover design to the pre-Hungarian version, while using a new front wing, rear wing, and floor design.{{Cite web|last=Somerfield|first=Matthew|date=1 August 2020|title=British GP: F1 technical developments direct from the track|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/british-gp-technical-developments-photos/4847190/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830105549/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/british-gp-technical-developments-photos/4847190/|archive-date=30 August 2020|access-date=2 August 2020|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}}{{Cite web|last1=Boxall-Legge|first1=Jake|last2=Smith|first2=Luke|date=31 July 2020|title=F1 British GP: McLaren trials new aero updates at Silverstone|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/150945/mclaren-trials-new-aero-updates-at-silverstone|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830105622/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/150945/mclaren-trials-new-aero-updates-at-silverstone|archive-date=30 August 2020|access-date=2 August 2020|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|url-access=limited|language=en}} Norris and Sainz qualified fifth and seventh respectively,{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=1 August 2020|title=British GP: Qualifying team notes – McLaren|url=http://www.pitpass.com/67515/British-GP-Qualifying-team-notes-McLaren|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830105703/https://www.pitpass.com/67515/British-GP-Qualifying-team-notes-McLaren|archive-date=30 August 2020|access-date=2 August 2020|website=Pitpass}} and by the closing laps ran seventh and fourth before a puncture for Sainz dropped him to fourteenth.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2 August 2020|title=British GP: Race team notes – McLaren|url=http://www.pitpass.com/67533/British-GP-Race-team-notes-McLaren|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830105626/https://www.pitpass.com/67533/British-GP-Race-team-notes-McLaren|archive-date=30 August 2020|access-date=2 August 2020|website=Pitpass}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2 August 2020|title='Luck hasn't been with me' says Carlos Sainz after last-gasp tyre drama robs him of points at Silverstone|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.luck-hasnt-been-with-me-says-sainz-after-last-gasp-tyre-drama-robs-him-of.6y8pEVepqAl5nQ64lPc3J4.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804030602/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.luck-hasnt-been-with-me-says-sainz-after-last-gasp-tyre-drama-robs-him-of.6y8pEVepqAl5nQ64lPc3J4.html|archive-date=4 August 2020|access-date=2 August 2020|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en}} He was promoted to thirteenth after Alfa Romeo driver Antonio Giovinazzi was penalized,{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=3 August 2020|title=Driver ratings from the British Grand Prix|url=https://www.planetf1.com/features/driver-ratings-british-grand-prix-2020/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805024821/https://www.planetf1.com/features/driver-ratings-british-grand-prix-2020/|archive-date=5 August 2020|access-date=31 August 2020|website=PlanetF1|publisher=Planet Sport Publishing|language=en}} while Norris finished fifth. Sainz fell to tenth in the WDC.{{Cite web|last=Larkam|first=Lewis|date=2 August 2020|title=Updated F1 World Championship points standings after British GP|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/results/941085/1/updated-f1-world-championship-points-standings-after-british-gp|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109155409/https://www.crash.net/f1/results/941085/1/updated-f1-world-championship-points-standings-after-british-gp|archive-date=9 January 2021|access-date=8 January 2021|website=Crash|publisher=Crash Media Group|language=en}}

The following week at the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix, Norris qualified tenth and Sainz thirteenth, the latter being the first time a McLaren had failed to reach the final part of qualifying (Q3) in 2020.{{Cite web|last=Bradley|first=Charles|date=8 August 2020|title=F1 70th Anniversary GP qualifying results, full grid lineup|url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/70th-anniversary-qualifying-results-grid-lineup/4852353/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830105636/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/70th-anniversary-qualifying-results-grid-lineup/4852353/|archive-date=30 August 2020|access-date=8 August 2020|website=Motorsport.com Australia|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en-AU}} Sainz later said that the team had discovered an overheating issue in third practice, and in order to be able to complete the race the car had to undergo bodywork changes that compromised his qualifying pace.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=8 August 2020|title=Carlos Sainz sacrificed qualifying to save his race|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/carlos-sainz-sacrificed-qualifying/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830105650/https://www.planetf1.com/news/carlos-sainz-sacrificed-qualifying/|archive-date=30 August 2020|access-date=9 August 2020|website=PlanetF1|publisher=Planet Sport Publishing|language=en}} During the race, Sainz's pitstop was compromised by a wheel gun malfunction. Both drivers referenced tyre management as their main challenge, and Norris and Sainz finished ninth and thirteenth respectively.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=9 August 2020|title=Carlos Sainz: 'Easy' points thrown away at pitstop|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/carlos-sainz-mclaren-frustration/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830105654/https://www.planetf1.com/news/carlos-sainz-mclaren-frustration/|archive-date=30 August 2020|access-date=9 August 2020|website=PlanetF1|publisher=Planet Sport Publishing|language=en}} McLaren was overtaken by two points by Ferrari in the WCC and left the round in fourth place. Norris fell to fifth in the WDC and Sainz fell to eleventh.{{Cite web |date=9 August 2020 |title=F1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix Results |url=https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2020/08/f1-70th-anniversary-grand-prix-results/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830105628/https://federalnewsnetwork.com/sports-news/2020/08/f1-70th-anniversary-grand-prix-results/ |archive-date=30 August 2020 |access-date=9 August 2020 |website=Federal News Network |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}}

At the Spanish Grand Prix, Sainz's MCL35 continued to have cooling problems and he was given a new chassis.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=14 August 2020|title=McLaren give Sainz new chassis in bid to cure cooling problems|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mclaren-give-sainz-new-chassis-in-bid-to-cure-cooling-problems.3R1kjTxAtvQ5AuIf2UnXL1.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830105649/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mclaren-give-sainz-new-chassis-in-bid-to-cure-cooling-problems.3R1kjTxAtvQ5AuIf2UnXL1.html|archive-date=30 August 2020|access-date=16 August 2020|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en}} When this failed to solve the problem, the power unit on his car was replaced;{{Cite web|last=Sarkar|first=Sneahdri|date=15 August 2020|title=Formula 1: McLaren's Carlos Sainz takes new engine ahead of Spanish GP final practice|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/sports/report-formula-1-mclaren-s-carlos-sainz-takes-new-engine-ahead-of-spanish-gp-final-practice-2837803|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830105648/https://www.dnaindia.com/sports/report-formula-1-mclaren-s-carlos-sainz-takes-new-engine-ahead-of-spanish-gp-final-practice-2837803|archive-date=30 August 2020|access-date=16 August 2020|website=DNA India|language=en}} McLaren later stated the issue was unrelated to the chassis.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=28 September 2020|title=8 things you might have missed|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/russian-grand-prix/things-you-missed/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011141735/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/russian-grand-prix/things-you-missed/|archive-date=11 October 2020|access-date=30 September 2020|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en}} This was the first power unit change for an MCL35 and successfully fixed the issue.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=15 August 2020|title=Carlos Sainz feeling cooler after new engine boost|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/carlos-sainz-feeling-cooler/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830105738/https://www.planetf1.com/news/carlos-sainz-feeling-cooler/|archive-date=30 August 2020|access-date=16 August 2020|website=PlanetF1|publisher=Planet Sport Publishing|language=en}} Sainz and Norris qualified seventh and eighth respectively,{{Cite web|last=Hall|first=Sam|date=15 August 2020|title=Spanish Grand Prix Qualifying – Live Blog!|url=https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/55598/spanish-grand-prix-qualifying-live-blog/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830105745/https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/55598/spanish-grand-prix-qualifying-live-blog/|archive-date=30 August 2020|access-date=16 August 2020|website=GPfans|language=en}} but were concerned about the impact of high temperatures during the race.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=15 August 2020|title=2020 Spanish Grand Prix – Qualifying|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/spanish-grand-prix/2020-spanish-grand-prix-qualifying/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830105648/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/spanish-grand-prix/2020-spanish-grand-prix-qualifying/|archive-date=30 August 2020|access-date=16 August 2020|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en}} Despite this, Sainz finished sixth and Norris tenth,{{Cite web|last=Bradley|first=Charles|date=16 August 2020|title=F1 results: Spanish Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton dominates|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/spanish-gp-race-results-lewis/4858205/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830105813/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/spanish-gp-race-results-lewis/4858205/|archive-date=30 August 2020|access-date=17 August 2020|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}} meaning they respectively improved to ninth and fell to seventh in the WDC. Having scored 62 points already in the WCC, the team matched their 2018 total in six races.

McLaren installed a new rear wing and rear brake duct at the Belgian Grand Prix,{{Cite web|last=Boxall-Legge|first=Jake|date=27 August 2020|title=F1 teams to trial low-downforce wings at Belgian Grand Prix|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/151701/f1-teams-to-trial-lowdownforce-wings-at-spa|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827185201/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/151701/f1-teams-to-trial-lowdownforce-wings-at-spa|archive-date=27 August 2020|access-date=27 August 2020|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|url-access=limited|language=en}} as well as a new bargeboard.{{Cite web|last=Somerfield|first=Matthew|date=29 August 2020|title=Belgian GP: F1 technical developments revealed at Spa|url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/belgian-gp-f1-tech-spa-reveal/4864689/?filters%5Btopic%5D%5B0%5D%5Btitle%5D=Giorgio+Piola%27s+F1+technical+analysis&filters%5Btopic%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D=23|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830105818/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/belgian-gp-f1-tech-spa-reveal/4864689/?filters%5Btopic%5D%5B0%5D%5Btitle%5D=Giorgio+Piola%27s+F1+technical+analysis&filters%5Btopic%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D=23|archive-date=30 August 2020|access-date=29 August 2020|website=Motorsport.com Australia|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}} During practice, the team tested a new floor and diffuser compliant with {{F1|2021}} regulations.{{Efn|The 2021 regulations mandated less aerodynamic parts and slimmer floor and diffuser construction compared to the previous year.}}{{Cite web|last=Somerfield|first=Matt|date=28 August 2020|title=McLaren goes experimental to get 2021 F1 head start|url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-2021-parts-experiment-spa/4864417/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902234334/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-2021-parts-experiment-spa/4864417/|archive-date=2 September 2020|access-date=31 August 2020|website=Motorsport.com Australia|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}}{{Cite web|last1=Piola|first1=Giorgio|last2=Somerfield|first2=Matthew|date=3 December 2020|title=The 2021 parts teams are already testing|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-tech-2021-parts-teams-already-testing/4919924/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205121819/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-tech-2021-parts-teams-already-testing/4919924/|archive-date=5 December 2020|access-date=4 December 2020|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}} After qualifying, Sainz, who had qualified seventh, expressed concern at the possibility of a wet race, saying that the car was set up for lower downforce and that McLaren would be "in trouble" should it rain during the Grand Prix.{{Cite web|last=Cooper|first=Adam|date=30 August 2020|title=Sainz: McLaren could "suffer" in wet Belgian GP with low downforce set-up|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/151769/sainz-mclaren-could-suffer-in-wet-belgian-gp|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830105701/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/151769/sainz-mclaren-could-suffer-in-wet-belgian-gp|archive-date=30 August 2020|access-date=30 August 2020|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|url-access=limited|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Morlidge|first=Matt|date=29 August 2020|title=Belgian GP Qualifying: Lewis Hamilton smashes record with pole, Ferrari hit new low|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12059049/belgian-gp-qualifying-lewis-hamilton-smashes-record-with-pole-ferrari-hit-new-low|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830105837/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12059049/belgian-gp-qualifying-lewis-hamilton-smashes-record-with-pole-ferrari-hit-new-low|archive-date=30 August 2020|access-date=30 August 2020|website=Sky Sports F1|publisher=Sky Group Limited|language=en}} He did not start because his Renault power unit had failed and destroyed the right exhaust bank before the race, resulting in the first non-finish for McLaren in 2020.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=1 September 2020|title=7 things you might have missed|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/belgian-grand-prix/things-you-missed/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902234331/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/belgian-grand-prix/things-you-missed/|archive-date=2 September 2020|access-date=2 September 2020|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en}} Norris, who had qualified tenth, climbed three places to finish seventh.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=30 August 2020|title=Belgian GP SPA F1 RACE classification – Victory for Lewis Hamilton, an 1–2 for Mercedes|url=http://www.automobilsport.com/race-categories--24/race-categories--24,211657,Belgian-GP-SPA-F1-RACE-classification--Victory-for-Lewis-Hamilton-an-1-2-for-Mercedes,news.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902234334/http://www.automobilsport.com/race-categories--24/race-categories--24,211657,Belgian-GP-SPA-F1-RACE-classification--Victory-for-Lewis-Hamilton-an-1-2-for-Mercedes,news.htm|archive-date=2 September 2020|access-date=30 August 2020|website=AutoMobilSport.com}} He improved to sixth in the WDC, and Sainz again fell to eleventh. McLaren recovered third place from Racing Point in the WCC.{{Cite web|last1=Connelly|first1=Garry|last2=Jobst|first2=Walter|last3=Herbert|first3=Johnny|author-link3=Johnny Herbert|last4=Bacquelaine|first4=Yves|date=30 August 2020|title=2020 Belgian Grand Prix – Championship Points|url=https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2020%20Belgian%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Championship%20Points.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906230859/https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2020%20Belgian%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Championship%20Points.pdf|archive-date=6 September 2020|access-date=7 September 2020|website=FIA.com|publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|pages=2–3}}

The MCL35 was equipped with low downforce front and rear wings for the Italian Grand Prix.{{Cite web|last1=Piola|first1=Giorgio|last2=Somerfield|first2=Matthew|date=3 September 2020|title=Italian GP: Latest key F1 technical developments|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/italian-gp-latest-f1-technical-developments/4867810/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906110443/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/italian-gp-latest-f1-technical-developments/4867810/|archive-date=6 September 2020|access-date=4 September 2020|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}} Norris missed the majority of the second practice session due to a sensor issue.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=5 September 2020|title='My worst Friday for a long time,' says McLaren's Lando Norris despite P3 in second practice at the Italian GP|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.my-worst-friday-for-a-long-time-says-norris-despite-p3-in-second-practice.6WIfJkSoJYIWj539UjWA0w.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905011342/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.my-worst-friday-for-a-long-time-says-norris-despite-p3-in-second-practice.6WIfJkSoJYIWj539UjWA0w.html|archive-date=5 September 2020|access-date=5 September 2020|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en}} The Italian Grand Prix was also the beginning of an FIA ban on qualifying engine modes.{{Cite web|last=Boxall-Legge|first=Jake|date=27 August 2020|title=What's an F1 engine party mode & why is it banned? New rule explained|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/151692/what-an-f1-engine-party-mode-and-why-is-it-banned|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830150215/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/151692/what-an-f1-engine-party-mode-and-why-is-it-banned|archive-date=30 August 2020|access-date=5 September 2020|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|url-access=limited|language=en}}{{Cite web|last1=Mitchell|first1=Scott|last2=Straw|first2=Edd|date=13 August 2020|title=Every F1 driver's verdict on the quali engine mode ban|url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/every-f1-drivers-verdict-on-the-quali-engine-mode-ban/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905011343/https://the-race.com/formula-1/every-f1-drivers-verdict-on-the-quali-engine-mode-ban/|archive-date=5 September 2020|access-date=5 September 2020|website=The Race|language=en-GB}} Sainz qualified third and Norris sixth.{{Cite web|last=Kalinauckas|first=Alex|date=5 September 2020|title=F1 Italian GP qualifying: Hamilton takes pole with fastest lap in history|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/151904/hamilton-takes-italian-gp-pole-with-record-f1-lap|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905150156/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/151904/hamilton-takes-italian-gp-pole-with-record-f1-lap|archive-date=5 September 2020|access-date=5 September 2020|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|url-access=limited|language=en}} Both drivers overtook others on the first lap to end the first lap second and third respectively, and held position until the first safety car of the race.{{Cite web|last=Adam|first=Cooper|date=7 September 2020|title=McLaren was "second strongest force" in F1 Italian GP|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-italian-gp-sainz-seidl/4870124/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906230900/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-italian-gp-sainz-seidl/4870124/|archive-date=6 September 2020|access-date=6 September 2020|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}} After yellow and red flags caused by incidents for Magnussen and Leclerc, Sainz restarted the race seventh and Norris eighth. Norris finished fourth while Sainz attempted to catch race leader Pierre Gasly, reducing the gap to 0.415 seconds by the final lap.{{Cite web|last=Delaney|first=Michael|date=6 September 2020|title=McLaren 'second strongest force' on merit at Monza – Seidl|url=https://f1i.com/news/383254-mclaren-second-strongest-force-on-merit-at-monza-seidl.html|access-date=6 September 2020|website=F1i.com|publisher=Digital Motorsport Media|language=en|archive-date=6 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906230902/https://f1i.com/news/383254-mclaren-second-strongest-force-on-merit-at-monza-seidl.html|url-status=live}} This was Sainz's second career podium and McLaren's second podium of the season. Seidl stated that McLaren had been the second-quickest team behind Mercedes and that the team would have finished second and third had the race been less chaotic. Sainz credited the red flag for his second place, saying that without the tyre change advantage it gave to those ahead of him after the safety car he would have been able to claim first.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=6 September 2020|title=Carlos Sainz says he 'felt rage' at red flag that cost him potential maiden win at Monza|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sainz-says-he-felt-rage-at-red-flag-that-cost-him-potential-maiden-win-at.5mgOjwQAxrWCEXk1ZVJMs5.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906230901/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sainz-says-he-felt-rage-at-red-flag-that-cost-him-potential-maiden-win-at.5mgOjwQAxrWCEXk1ZVJMs5.html|archive-date=6 September 2020|access-date=6 September 2020|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en}}{{Cite web|last1=Rencken|first1=Dieter|last2=Collantine|first2=Keith|date=6 September 2020|title=Sainz 'angry and disappointed to say the least' over red flag|url=https://www.racefans.net/2020/09/06/sainz-angry-and-disappointed-to-say-the-least-over-red-flag/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906230906/https://www.racefans.net/2020/09/06/sainz-angry-and-disappointed-to-say-the-least-over-red-flag/|archive-date=6 September 2020|access-date=7 September 2020|website=RaceFans}} AlphaTauri team principal Franz Tost later said that Gasly's advantage through the second sector which allowed him to hold off Sainz was down to the AlphaTauri team's decision to run a higher downforce on their AT01.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=9 September 2020|title=The set-up decision that allowed Gasly to hold off Sainz|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.data-analysis-the-set-up-decision-that-allowed-gasly-to-hold-off-sainz.4wNv2cfcdnOVG3rDc6JbFh.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910140727/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.data-analysis-the-set-up-decision-that-allowed-gasly-to-hold-off-sainz.4wNv2cfcdnOVG3rDc6JbFh.html|archive-date=10 September 2020|access-date=10 September 2020|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en}} Norris also claimed that the red flag and the advantage it gave to Stroll was the reason he could not reclaim third place.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=6 September 2020|title=Lando Norris: Stroll doesn't deserve podium due to 'stupid' rule|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/lando-norris-stupid-f1-rule/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906230913/https://www.planetf1.com/news/lando-norris-stupid-f1-rule/|archive-date=6 September 2020|access-date=6 September 2020|website=PlanetF1|publisher=Planet Sport Publishing|language=en}} The race resulted in McLaren's best finish since {{F1|2014}},{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=6 September 2020|title=2020 Italian Grand Prix|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/italian-grand-prix/2020-italian-grand-prix/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906230936/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/italian-grand-prix/2020-italian-grand-prix/|archive-date=6 September 2020|access-date=6 September 2020|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en}} and increased their lead for third place in the WCC, while Norris took fifth and Sainz ninth in the WDC.{{Cite web|last1=Connelly|first1=Garry|last2=Remmerie|first2=Mathieu|last3=Kristensen|first3=Tom|author-link3=Tom Kristensen|last4=Longoni|first4=Paolo|date=6 September 2020|title=2020 Italian Grand Prix – Championship Points|url=https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2020%20Italian%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Championship%20Points.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906230937/https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2020%20Italian%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Championship%20Points.pdf|archive-date=6 September 2020|access-date=7 September 2020|website=FIA.com|publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|pages=2–3}} In an article on strategy published in 2021, McLaren said the team "could have won [...] had we not pitted under the Safety Car and instead changed tyres when the race was brought to temporary halt by a red flag" but Director of Sporting and Strategy Randy Singh said the team "made the right call" at the time.

File:Lando Norris 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix - race day.jpg

During the first practice session of the Tuscan Grand Prix, McLaren tested a new nose intended to be raced later in the season for it to be applied to the 2021 chassis.{{Cite web|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=11 September 2020|title=McLaren trials new Mercedes-style nose|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-trials-new-mercedes-style-nose/4872327/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200911111243/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-trials-new-mercedes-style-nose/4872327/|archive-date=11 September 2020|access-date=11 September 2020|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}} After the second practice session, Sainz commented that the car lacked rear stability, but its "performance can improve considerably" with the right changes.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=11 September 2020|title=2020 Tuscan Grand Prix – Free Practice|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/tuscan-grand-prix/2020-tuscan-grand-prix-free-practice/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912094928/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/tuscan-grand-prix/2020-tuscan-grand-prix-free-practice/|archive-date=12 September 2020|access-date=12 September 2020|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en}} He qualified ninth and Norris eleventh, the first time in 2020 the latter had not made it to Q3.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=12 September 2020|title=2020 Tuscan Grand Prix – Qualifying|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/tuscan-grand-prix/2020-tuscan-grand-prix-qualifying/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921115233/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/tuscan-grand-prix/2020-tuscan-grand-prix-qualifying/|archive-date=21 September 2020|access-date=12 September 2020|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en}} Both drivers said that the MCL35 was highly sensitive to wind, particularly tailwinds, but were happy with the performance of the car compared to the practice sessions.{{Cite web|last=Cooper|first=Adam|date=13 September 2020|title=Sainz says McLaren's drop in form 'a nasty surprise'|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-wind-sainz-tuscan-gp-qualifying/4873855/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915032919/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-wind-sainz-tuscan-gp-qualifying/4873855/|archive-date=15 September 2020|access-date=13 September 2020|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}} During the race, Stroll collided with Sainz on the opening lap causing him to spin.{{Cite web|last=Gale|first=Ewan|date=13 September 2020|title=Formula 1 must learn from "really scary" Tuscan GP restart crash – Sainz|url=https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/56813/formula-1-must-learn-from-really-scary-tuscan-gp-restart-crash-sainz/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915152926/https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/56813/formula-1-must-learn-from-really-scary-tuscan-gp-restart-crash-sainz/|archive-date=15 September 2020|access-date=13 September 2020|website=GPfans|language=en}} Sainz was then hit by Sebastian Vettel who could not take evasive action, but unlike Vettel, Sainz's car was undamaged. After the safety car restart Sainz was involved in an accordion effect crash with Antonio Giovinazzi's Alfa Romeo, the Williams of Nicholas Latifi, and Magnussen which triggered the first red flag of the race.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=13 September 2020|title=Sainz onboard footage shows true scale of four-car Tuscan GP crash as fans thank halo|url=https://talksport.com/sport/motorsport/758884/tuscan-grand-prix-carlos-sainz-onboard-four-car-mugello-crash-f1-halo/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921115240/https://talksport.com/sport/motorsport/758884/tuscan-gp-crash-onboard-four-car-mugello-crash-f1-halo-sainz-injury/|archive-date=21 September 2020|access-date=13 September 2020|website=talkSPORT|language=en-US}} Sainz became the first McLaren race retirement of the 2020 season; Norris finished the race sixth and took fourth in the WDC as his teammate fell to eleventh.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=13 September 2020 |title=Formula 1 Pirelli Gran Premio della Toscana Ferrari 1000 2020 – Race result |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2020/races/1053/tuscany/race-result.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921115214/https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2020/races/1053/tuscany/race-result.html |archive-date=21 September 2020 |access-date=13 September 2020 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en}}{{Cite web|last1=Connelly|first1=Gary|last2=Bacquelaine|first2=Loic|last3=Salo|first3=Mika|author-link3=Mika Salo|last4=Perini|first4=Matteo|date=13 September 2020|title=2020 Tuscan Grand Prix – Championship Points|url=https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2020%20Tuscan%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Championship%20Points.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921115214/https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2020%20Tuscan%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Championship%20Points.pdf|archive-date=21 September 2020|access-date=13 September 2020|website=FIA.com|publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|pages=2–3}} At the conclusion of this race McLaren had scored in excess of 100 points in nine Grands Prix, much quicker than the 16 races it took in 2019. After the race Piers Thynne, McLaren's production director, stated that the team had "lost significant parts" in the race.{{Cite web|last=Gopal|first=Bhargav|date=23 September 2020|title=McLaren Announce Troubling News Following Sainz's Mugello Crash|url=http://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-russian-grand-prix-mclaren-f1-announce-troubling-news-following-sainzs-mugello-crash/|access-date=24 September 2020|website=EssentiallySports|language=en-US|archive-date=28 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928014917/https://www.essentiallysports.com/f1-news-russian-grand-prix-mclaren-f1-announce-troubling-news-following-sainzs-mugello-crash/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=23 September 2020|title=McLaren lost 'significant parts' in Mugello crash|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/mclaren-mugello-crash-parts-lost/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924132947/https://www.planetf1.com/news/mclaren-mugello-crash-parts-lost/|archive-date=24 September 2020|access-date=24 September 2020|website=PlanetF1|publisher=Planet Sport Publishing|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=22 September 2020|title=Everything you need to know for the Russian Grand Prix|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/russian-grand-prix/everything-you-need-know-russia/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928014918/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/russian-grand-prix/everything-you-need-know-russia/|archive-date=28 September 2020|access-date=24 September 2020|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en}}

At the Russian Grand Prix, McLaren ran the MCL35 with a new front wing,{{Cite web|last1=Piola|first1=Giorgio|last2=Somerfield|first2=Matthew|date=26 September 2020|title=Russian GP: Latest key F1 technical developments|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/russian-gp-latest-f1-tech-developments/4881578/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928014919/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/russian-gp-latest-f1-tech-developments/4881578/|archive-date=28 September 2020|access-date=26 September 2020|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}} and continued to test the new nose design introduced at the previous race.{{Cite web|last=Cooper|first=Adam|date=25 September 2020|title=McLaren continues to run revised Mercedes-style nose in F1 Russian GP practice|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/152387/mclaren-runs-revised-mercedesstyle-nose-in-practice|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928014919/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/152387/mclaren-runs-revised-mercedesstyle-nose-in-practice|archive-date=28 September 2020|access-date=26 September 2020|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|url-access=limited|language=en}} Sainz returned to the chassis he had used up until the Spanish Grand Prix after the restart incident at the Tuscan Grand Prix. He and Norris qualified sixth and eighth respectively.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=26 September 2020|title=2020 Russian Grand Prix – Qualifying|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/russian-grand-prix/2020-russian-grand-prix-qualifying/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928014943/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/russian-grand-prix/2020-russian-grand-prix-qualifying/|archive-date=28 September 2020|access-date=27 September 2020|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en}} When questioned about his drop from third in practice three to sixth in qualifying, Sainz explained that the team had again had issues with the MCL35's wind sensitivity.{{Cite web|last=Cooper|first=Adam|date=27 September 2020|title=Sainz explains McLaren's drop of form in Sochi qualifying|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-sochi-form-qualifying-sainz/4882586/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928014946/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-sochi-form-qualifying-sainz/4882586/|archive-date=28 September 2020|access-date=27 September 2020|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}} Seidl also stated that the new nose was "not a step forward really" but that the team was "quite restricted at the moment, with the number of parts" after the incident at the previous race and an accident Sainz had in practice; the new nose would form part of a future upgrade package introduced at the following race.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=27 September 2020|title=McLaren 'happy' with new nose but 'not a step forward'|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/mclaren-happy-with-new-nose-but-not-a-step-forward/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928014948/https://www.planetf1.com/news/mclaren-happy-with-new-nose-but-not-a-step-forward/|archive-date=28 September 2020|access-date=27 September 2020|website=PlanetF1|publisher=Planet Sport Publishing|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=6 October 2020|title=Everything you need to know for the Eifel Grand Prix|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/eifel-grand-prix/everything-you-need-know-germany/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011141747/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/eifel-grand-prix/everything-you-need-know-germany/|archive-date=11 October 2020|access-date=8 October 2020|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en}} Both McLarens had poor starts from the dirty side of the grid.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=27 September 2020|title=Sainz blames 'misjudgement' for race-ending opening lap crash in Russia|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.watch-sainz-out-of-russian-gp-on-opening-lap-after-turn-2-crash.1C6b0fRT2CyVqHt1rBdTfX.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928014947/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.watch-sainz-out-of-russian-gp-on-opening-lap-after-turn-2-crash.1C6b0fRT2CyVqHt1rBdTfX.html|archive-date=28 September 2020|access-date=28 September 2020|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en}} At turn two, Sainz ran off the track and "misjudged [his] entry speed around the bollard" trying to re-join the track, colliding with the wall and retiring from the race.{{Cite web|last1=Smith|first1=Luke|last2=Noble|first2=Jonathan|date=28 September 2020|title=Sainz believes Sochi's Turn 2 'shouldn't exist'|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-sochi-turn-2-shouldnt-exist/4883323/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928014947/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-sochi-turn-2-shouldnt-exist/4883323/|archive-date=28 September 2020|access-date=28 September 2020|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}} Norris was forced to run over debris from Sainz's car, causing a steering issue that compromised his performance for the rest of the race.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=27 September 2020|title=Sainz: First of all, apologies to the entire team|url=https://www.grandprix247.com/2020/09/27/sainz-first-of-all-apologies-to-the-entire-team/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928014955/https://www.grandprix247.com/2020/09/27/sainz-first-of-all-apologies-to-the-entire-team/|archive-date=28 September 2020|access-date=28 September 2020|website=Grand Prix 24/7|language=en-US}} Norris pitted during the safety car period, but his hard tyres did not last the entire race distance as hoped; forcing him to pit again and dropping him out of the points.{{Cite news |last=Baldwin |first=Alan |date=27 September 2020 |title=Team by team analysis of the Russian Grand Prix |language=en |website=Reuters UK |publisher=Thomson Reuters |editor-last=Davis |editor-first=Toby |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-motor-f1-russia-analysis-idUKKBN26I0V7 |url-status=dead |access-date=28 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928014948/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-motor-f1-russia-analysis-idUKKBN26I0V7 |archive-date=28 September 2020}} McLaren stated this was done since Norris was already likely to drop out of the points on the ageing tyres, and was thus intended to take the fastest lap point away from other teams. This was McLaren's first pointless race since the 2019 Mexican Grand Prix, ending a 12 race point-scoring streak and was the team's only pointless race in 2020.

McLaren announced ahead of the Eifel Grand Prix that the rest of the aerodynamic upgrade would be installed on the car at that race. It was later clarified only Sainz would run the new package,{{Cite web|last=Cooper|first=Adam|date=11 October 2020|title=McLaren needed to run new F1 aero at Eifel GP despite little practice|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/152721/mclaren-needed-to-run-new-aero-despite-little-practice|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011141750/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/152721/mclaren-needed-to-run-new-aero-despite-little-practice|archive-date=11 October 2020|access-date=11 October 2020|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|url-access=limited|language=en}} a decision made because the cancellation of practice one and two limited opportunities to compare the old and new packages. Norris qualified eighth and Sainz, who said he was unhappy with the upgrade package, tenth.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=10 October 2020 |title=2020 Eifel Grand Prix – Qualifying |url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/eifel-grand-prix/2020-eifel-grand-prix-qualifying/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011141751/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/eifel-grand-prix/2020-eifel-grand-prix-qualifying/ |archive-date=11 October 2020 |access-date=11 October 2020 |website=McLaren Racing |publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd. |language=en}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=10 October 2020|title=Carlos Sainz: Upgrades put me 'on the back foot'|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/carlos-sainz-nurburgring-upgrades/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011141810/https://www.planetf1.com/news/carlos-sainz-nurburgring-upgrades/|archive-date=11 October 2020|access-date=11 October 2020|website=PlanetF1|publisher=Planet Sport Publishing|language=en}}{{Cite web|last1=Newbold|first1=James|last2=Lillo|first2=Sergio|last3=Noble|first3=Jonathan|date=10 October 2020|title=Sainz blames McLaren's F1 upgrades for Eifel GP qualifying pace drop|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/152703/sainz-blames-mclaren-upgrades-for-pace-drop|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011141812/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/152703/sainz-blames-mclaren-upgrades-for-pace-drop|archive-date=11 October 2020|access-date=11 October 2020|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|url-access=limited|language=en}} McLaren credited Sainz's difficulties to the cancellation of the first two practice sessions, saying the package had not been properly set up for the track. Despite installing a new power unit overnight,{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=11 October 2020|title=Lando Norris takes new power unit for Eifel Grand Prix – but won't be hit with a grid penalty|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-takes-new-engine-for-eifel-grand-prix-but-wont-be-hit-with-a-grid.187ntjB11OvdOC5nafcDZS.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011141813/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-takes-new-engine-for-eifel-grand-prix-but-wont-be-hit-with-a-grid.187ntjB11OvdOC5nafcDZS.html|archive-date=11 October 2020|access-date=11 October 2020|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en}} Norris ran in third place before an issue arose with his Renault power unit and dropped several positions until he was forced to retire, triggering a safety car.{{Cite web |last=Bradley |first=Charles |date=11 October 2020 |title=2020 F1 Eifel Grand Prix race results |url=https://au.sports.yahoo.com/2020-f1-eifel-grand-prix-134924274.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011141823/https://au.sports.yahoo.com/2020-f1-eifel-grand-prix-134924274.html |archive-date=11 October 2020 |access-date=11 October 2020 |website=Yahoo Sports Australia |publisher=Verizon Media |language=en-AU}} Sainz finished fifth.{{Cite news |last=Richards |first=Giles |date=11 October 2020 |title=Lewis Hamilton equals Michael Schumacher's 91 race wins at Eifel F1 GP |language=en-GB |website=The Guardian |publication-place=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/oct/11/lewis-hamilton-equals-michael-schumachers-91-race-wins-at-eifel-f1-gp |url-status=live |access-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011141003/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/oct/11/lewis-hamilton-equals-michael-schumachers-91-race-wins-at-eifel-f1-gp |archive-date=11 October 2020 |issn=0261-3077 |oclc=60623878}} McLaren lost third in the WCC to Racing Point, and Norris fell to sixth in the WDC.{{Cite web|last=Larkam|first=Lewis|date=11 October 2020|title=F1 World Championship points standings after Eifel GP|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/results/946340/1/f1-world-championship-points-standings-after-eifel-gp|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023081451/https://www.crash.net/f1/results/946340/1/f1-world-championship-points-standings-after-eifel-gp|archive-date=23 October 2020|access-date=16 January 2021|website=Crash|publisher=Crash Media Group|language=en}}

The team continued to develop the new aerodynamics package at the Portuguese Grand Prix.{{Cite web|last=Parkes|first=Ian|date=20 October 2020|title=McLaren to persist with new Mercedes-style nose concept in Portugal|url=https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/58248/mclaren-to-persist-with-new-mercedes-style-nose-concept-in-portugal/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022162512/https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/58248/mclaren-to-persist-with-new-mercedes-style-nose-concept-in-portugal/|archive-date=22 October 2020|access-date=20 October 2020|website=GPfans|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Walsh|first=Fergal|date=20 October 2020|title=McLaren to persist with upgraded nose despite recent struggles|url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/2020/10/20/mclaren-to-persist-with-upgraded-nose-despite-recent-struggles/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022160447/https://www.motorsportweek.com/2020/10/20/mclaren-to-persist-with-upgraded-nose-despite-recent-struggles/|archive-date=22 October 2020|access-date=20 October 2020|website=Motorsport Week|publisher=Motorsport Media Services Ltd|language=en-GB}} The team opted to run the MCL35 with the new nose box, delaying the rest of the package to future races.{{Cite web|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=25 October 2020|title=McLaren takes "next step" with F1 upgrades package at Portuguese GP|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/153055/mclaren-takes-next-step-with-f1-upgrades-package|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028213844/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/153055/mclaren-takes-next-step-with-f1-upgrades-package|archive-date=28 October 2020|access-date=25 October 2020|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|url-access=limited|language=en}} Despite further issues with wind sensitivity in qualifying,{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=24 October 2020|title=McLaren tormented by wind at Portuguese GP|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/mclaren-wind-portuguese-gp/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028211200/https://www.planetf1.com/news/mclaren-wind-portuguese-gp/|archive-date=28 October 2020|access-date=25 October 2020|website=PlanetF1|publisher=Planet Sport Publishing|language=en}} Sainz qualified seventh and Norris eighth.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=24 October 2020|title=McLaren drivers 'made the best of a bad day' with 7th and 8th in Portuguese GP qualifying|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mclaren-drivers-made-the-best-of-a-bad-day-with-7th-and-8th-in-portuguese-gp.6j1NZFUbGTuD7jfJ7P6sbd.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028205431/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mclaren-drivers-made-the-best-of-a-bad-day-with-7th-and-8th-in-portuguese-gp.6j1NZFUbGTuD7jfJ7P6sbd.html|archive-date=28 October 2020|access-date=25 October 2020|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en}} Both McLarens gained places on the opening lap, with Sainz taking the lead from laps two through to five and Norris moving up to fourth.{{Cite news |last=Baldwin |first=Alan |date=25 October 2020 |title=Team by team analysis of the Portuguese Grand Prix |language=en |website=Reuters UK |publisher=Thomson Reuters |editor-last=Ferris |editor-first=Ken |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/motor-f1-portugal-idUKL4N2HG0B0 |url-status=dead |access-date=25 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028205124/https://uk.reuters.com/article/motor-f1-portugal-idUKL4N2HG0B0 |archive-date=28 October 2020}} This early advantage was partially attributed to the speed at which the MCL35 brought the soft tyres into the operating window.{{Cite web|last=Bradley|first=Charles|date=25 October 2020|title=F1 results: Portuguese GP, Hamilton beats Schumacher record|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-portuguese-gp-race-results/4898856/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028220155/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-portuguese-gp-race-results/4898856/|archive-date=28 October 2020|access-date=25 October 2020|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}} However, both McLarens began to lose positions as the medium tyre came into its operating window and the drag reduction system was enabled. Stroll attempted to overtake Norris in to turn one, but turned in on him on the apex of the corner,{{Cite web|last1=Mayer|first1=Tim|author-link=Tim Mayer|last2=Holter|first2=Felix|last3=Correia|first3=Bruno|last4=Magalhaes|first4=Paulo|date=25 October 2020|title=Offence – Car 18 – collision with car 4|url=https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2020%20Portuguese%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Offence%20-%20Car%2018%20-%20collision%20with%20car%204.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028222406/https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2020%20Portuguese%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Offence%20-%20Car%2018%20-%20collision%20with%20car%204.pdf|archive-date=28 October 2020|access-date=25 October 2020|website=FIA.com|publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile}} causing damage to both cars and dropping Norris to second-last after pitting.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=25 October 2020|title=Norris says Stroll 'doesn't seem to learn' after Portuguese GP collision|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-says-stroll-doesnt-seem-to-learn-after-portuguese-gp-collision.3f9HSpByasXi9zkyJlUgqX.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028212500/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-says-stroll-doesnt-seem-to-learn-after-portuguese-gp-collision.3f9HSpByasXi9zkyJlUgqX.html|archive-date=28 October 2020|access-date=25 October 2020|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en}} Sainz struggled with tyre graining{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=26 October 2020|title=Sainz credits rally driving mentality for giving him early lead in Portuguese GP|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sainz-credits-rally-driving-mentality-for-giving-him-early-lead-in.oPTvdHtXCJzmS0N4X6LjR.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029155004/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sainz-credits-rally-driving-mentality-for-giving-him-early-lead-in.oPTvdHtXCJzmS0N4X6LjR.html|archive-date=29 October 2020|access-date=27 October 2020|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en}} but finished sixth, with Norris finishing thirteenth.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=25 October 2020|title=2020 Portuguese Grand Prix|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/portuguese-grand-prix/2020-portuguese-grand-prix/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028222455/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/portuguese-grand-prix/2020-portuguese-grand-prix/|archive-date=28 October 2020|access-date=25 October 2020|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en}} Sainz improved to tenth and Norris fell to seventh in the WDC.{{Cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=25 October 2020|title=2020 Portuguese Grand Prix F1 championship points|url=https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/25/2020-portuguese-grand-prix-championship-points/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116100414/https://www.racefans.net/2020/10/25/2020-portuguese-grand-prix-championship-points/|archive-date=16 January 2021|access-date=16 January 2021|website=RaceFans|language=en-GB}}

Norris and Sainz qualified ninth and tenth respectively at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=31 October 2020|title=McLaren drivers 'expected a bit more' from qualifying as they reveal shock at AlphaTauri pace|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mclaren-drivers-expected-a-bit-more-from-qualifying-as-they-reveal-shock-at.75aKAg6HZQMgcqNWj8ocxn.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101004259/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mclaren-drivers-expected-a-bit-more-from-qualifying-as-they-reveal-shock-at.75aKAg6HZQMgcqNWj8ocxn.html|archive-date=1 November 2020|access-date=1 November 2020|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en}} Sainz finished seventh and Norris eighth,{{Cite web|last=Bradley|first=Charles|date=1 November 2020|title=2020 F1 Emilia Romagna GP results, Hamilton beats Bottas|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/emilia-romagna-gp-imola-result/4902321/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101143048/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/emilia-romagna-gp-imola-result/4902321/|archive-date=1 November 2020|access-date=1 November 2020|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}} with Sainz saying the evasive action required after Albon spun in front of him prevented him from attacking during the final laps.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=1 November 2020|title=Alex Albon 'moment' cost Carlos Sainz at Imola|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/alex-albon-moment-carlos-sainz-imola/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110112152/https://www.planetf1.com/news/alex-albon-moment-carlos-sainz-imola/|archive-date=10 November 2020|access-date=1 November 2020|website=PlanetF1|publisher=Planet Sport Publishing|language=en}} McLaren drew level with Racing Point in the WCC, but both were overtaken by Renault. Sainz improved to eighth in the WDC.{{Cite web|last=Larkam|first=Lewis|date=1 November 2020|title=F1 World Championship points standings after the Emilia Romagna GP|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/results/947624/1/f1-world-championship-points-standings-after-emilia-romagna-gp|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101141227/https://www.crash.net/f1/results/947624/1/f1-world-championship-points-standings-after-emilia-romagna-gp|archive-date=1 November 2020|access-date=16 January 2021|website=Crash|publisher=Crash Media Group|language=en}} Seidl said that the team's race was limited by their qualifying position, while Norris said that the team still had competitive pace but were on a run of bad luck.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=1 November 2020|title=2020 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/emilia-romagna-grand-prix/2020-emilia-romagna-grand-prix/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101190014/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/emilia-romagna-grand-prix/2020-emilia-romagna-grand-prix/|archive-date=1 November 2020|access-date=1 November 2020|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en}}

Several components on the MCL35 were redesigned to account for the high-load nature of the Turkish Grand Prix.{{Cite web|last=Cooper|first=Adam|date=29 October 2020|title=McLaren to redesign F1 car parts for high-load nature of Turkish GP|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/153152/mclaren-to-redesign-parts-for-highload-turkish-gp|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104201043/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/153152/mclaren-to-redesign-parts-for-highload-turkish-gp|archive-date=4 November 2020|access-date=10 November 2020|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|url-access=limited|language=en}} Sainz suffered an issue with his power unit's electronics in the first practice session, triggering a virtual safety car and causing him to miss most of the session.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=13 November 2020|title=McLaren's Carlos Sainz sums up first day's running in Turkey as 'the strangest Friday in my life'|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sainz-sums-up-first-days-running-in-turkey-as-the-strangest-friday-in-my.7pbscLtkKctVYweo8Gghft.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115010251/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sainz-sums-up-first-days-running-in-turkey-as-the-strangest-friday-in-my.7pbscLtkKctVYweo8Gghft.html|archive-date=15 November 2020|access-date=13 November 2020|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=13 November 2020|title=Carlos Sainz reflects on 'strangest Friday' of his life|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/carlos-sainz-strangest-friday-istanbul/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115010251/https://www.planetf1.com/news/carlos-sainz-strangest-friday-istanbul/|archive-date=15 November 2020|access-date=13 November 2020|website=PlanetF1|publisher=Planet Sport Publishing|language=en}} Norris and Sainz originally qualified eleventh and thirteenth respectively.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=14 November 2020|title=2020 Turkish Grand Prix – Qualifying|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/turkish-grand-prix/2020-turkish-grand-prix-qualifying/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115010252/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/turkish-grand-prix/2020-turkish-grand-prix-qualifying/|archive-date=15 November 2020|access-date=15 November 2020|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en}} However, Norris was given a five-place grid penalty for breaking yellow flag conditions,{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=14 November 2020|title=Norris handed five-place Turkish GP grid penalty for failing to respect yellow flags|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-norris-handed-five-place-turkish-gp-grid-penalty-for-failing-to.1Pq5MffSlQzN01axoJji0q.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115010252/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-norris-handed-five-place-turkish-gp-grid-penalty-for-failing-to.1Pq5MffSlQzN01axoJji0q.html|archive-date=15 November 2020|access-date=15 November 2020|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en}} with stewards stating "Car 4 was not attempting to set a quick lap time, due to the changing track conditions he nevertheless did so and thereby breached the referenced regulations."{{Cite web|last1=Ennser|first1=Gerd|last2=Dean|first2=Dennis|last3=Warwick|first3=Derek|author-link3=Derek Warwick|last4=Altayli|first4=Fatih|date=14 November 2020|title=Offence – Car 4 – Failure to respect yellow flags at turn 8|url=https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2020%20Turkish%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Offence%20-%20Car%204%20-%20Failure%20to%20respect%20yellow%20flags%20at%20turn%208.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115010251/https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2020%20Turkish%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Offence%20-%20Car%204%20-%20Failure%20to%20respect%20yellow%20flags%20at%20turn%208.pdf|archive-date=15 November 2020|access-date=15 November 2020|website=FIA.com|publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile}} Sainz was given a three-place grid penalty for impeding Pérez, which Sainz said was due to the weather conditions.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=14 November 2020|title=Sainz handed three-place grid drop for Perez block as McLaren drivers rue Q2 tyre gamble|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sainz-handed-three-place-grid-drop-for-perez-block-as-mclaren-drivers-rue-q2.6IZ1NPrsbmuCjwLrZTaS89.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115010254/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sainz-handed-three-place-grid-drop-for-perez-block-as-mclaren-drivers-rue-q2.6IZ1NPrsbmuCjwLrZTaS89.html|archive-date=15 November 2020|access-date=15 November 2020|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en}} Recovering to fifth in the race, he took seventh in the championship from his teammate who finished eighth and set the fastest lap of the race.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=15 November 2020|title=McLaren keep themselves firmly in P3 battle|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/mclaren-carlos-sainz-turkey-p5/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117064115/https://www.planetf1.com/news/mclaren-carlos-sainz-turkey-p5/|archive-date=17 November 2020|access-date=16 November 2020|website=PlanetF1|publisher=Planet Sport Publishing|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Larkam|first=Lewis|date=15 November 2020|title=F1 World Championship points standings after the Turkish GP|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/results/948685/1/f1-world-championship-points-standings-after-turkish-gp|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115131229/https://www.crash.net/f1/results/948685/1/f1-world-championship-points-standings-after-turkish-gp|archive-date=15 November 2020|access-date=7 December 2020|website=Crash|publisher=Crash Media Group|language=en}} The result meant that the team exceeded their 2019 total of 145 points over 21 races, having scored 149 points in 14 races.

McLaren spent a portion of practice at the Bahrain Grand Prix continuing tests with their 2021 floor and diffuser.{{Cite web|last1=Piola|first1=Giorgio|last2=Somerfield|first2=Matthew|date=28 November 2020|title=Bahrain GP: Spotting the latest F1 technical developments|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bahrain-gp-f1-tech-developments-new/4917220/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128101257/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bahrain-gp-f1-tech-developments-new/4917220/|archive-date=28 November 2020|access-date=29 November 2020|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}} Norris stated he was lacking confidence with the car, saying "I didn't feel the most confident throughout today [...] Just because it's quite tricky with the wind, even though it's not very windy."{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=27 November 2020|title=Lando Norris lacking confidence in Bahrain|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/lando-norris-confidence-bahrain/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127223120/https://www.planetf1.com/news/lando-norris-confidence-bahrain/|archive-date=27 November 2020|access-date=29 November 2020|website=PlanetF1|publisher=Planet Sport Publishing|language=en}} During the second part of qualifying (Q2), Sainz's rear axle locked as his rear brakes failed, ending his qualifying session early and limiting his choice of tyre compounds for the race.{{Cite web|last1=Lillo|first1=Sergio|last2=Noble|first2=Jonathan|date=28 November 2020|title=Sainz "very angry" as McLaren F1 car issue dents Bahrain GP hopes|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/153813/sainz-very-angry-as-car-issue-dents-bahrain-gp-hopes|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129100040/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/153813/sainz-very-angry-as-car-issue-dents-bahrain-gp-hopes|archive-date=29 November 2020|access-date=29 November 2020|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|url-access=limited|language=en}} Norris qualified ninth and Sainz fifteenth.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=28 November 2020|title=2020 Bahrain Grand Prix qualifying report: Lewis Hamilton on pole from Bottas as Red Bull lock out the second row in Bahrain|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.qualifying-report-hamilton-on-pole-from-bottas-as-red-bull-lock-out-the.5IMRK8c37bqA5t9SAAdvib.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129100046/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.qualifying-report-hamilton-on-pole-from-bottas-as-red-bull-lock-out-the.5IMRK8c37bqA5t9SAAdvib.html|archive-date=29 November 2020|access-date=29 November 2020|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en}} Norris finished fourth in the race and Sainz fifth, allowing the Norris to reclaim seventh in the WDC from his teammate.{{Cite web |last=Larkam |first=Lewis |date=29 November 2020 |title=F1 World Championship points standings after the Bahrain GP |url=https://www.crash.net/f1/results/949558/1/f1-world-championship-points-standings-after-bahrain-gp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207020335/https://www.crash.net/f1/results/949558/1/f1-world-championship-points-standings-after-bahrain-gp |archive-date=7 December 2020 |access-date=7 December 2020 |website=Crash |publisher=Crash Media Group |language=en}} The result combined with the retirement of both Racing Point cars meant McLaren re-took third in the WCC by 17 points.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=29 November 2020|title=Hamilton wins dramatic race, Grosjean escapes fireball|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/race-report-bahrain-gp-2020/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130005202/https://www.planetf1.com/news/race-report-bahrain-gp-2020/|archive-date=30 November 2020|access-date=30 November 2020|website=PlanetF1|publisher=Planet Sport Publishing|language=en}}

Sainz predicted ahead of the Sakhir Grand Prix that choosing the correct setup – particularly downforce levels – would be challenging because of the circuit's lengthy straights.{{Cite web|last=Cooper|first=Adam|date=26 November 2020|title=Drivers prepare for Bahrain's "bonkers" F1 outer circuit|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bahrain-oval-bonkers-driver-views/4915770/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201021324/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bahrain-oval-bonkers-driver-views/4915770/|archive-date=1 December 2020|access-date=4 December 2020|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}} McLaren ultimately ran the MCL35 with a lower downforce aerodynamics kit, featuring a "spoon-shaped" rear wing.{{Cite web|last1=Piola|first1=Giorgio|last2=Somerfield|first2=Matthew|date=8 December 2020|title=Why indecision dogged F1 teams in attacking the Sakhir GP|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/how-indecision-dogged-teams-on-how-to-attack-the-sakhir-gp/4923568/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209074657/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/how-indecision-dogged-teams-on-how-to-attack-the-sakhir-gp/4923568/|archive-date=9 December 2020|access-date=9 December 2020|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}} During the second practice session, Sainz experienced an issue with his gearbox that interrupted his running. Norris damaged the floor of his MCL35 on a kerb and then experienced power issues. Both drivers expressed surprise at their apparent loss of pace from the previous week.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=4 December 2020|title=Sainz and Norris left baffled by lack of pace as reliability issues hit McLaren in Sakhir Friday practice|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sainz-and-norris-left-baffled-by-lack-of-pace-as-reliability-issues-hit.2b669mTCGuT24ip22AmRjs.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205121822/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sainz-and-norris-left-baffled-by-lack-of-pace-as-reliability-issues-hit.2b669mTCGuT24ip22AmRjs.html|archive-date=5 December 2020|access-date=4 December 2020|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en}} Sainz qualified eighth, which he said was "the maximum our car could do",{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=5 December 2020|title=Mixed fortunes for McLaren as Norris left frustrated by mistakes but Sainz "achieves maximum" with P8|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mixed-fortunes-for-mclaren-as-norris-left-frustrated-by-mistakes-but-sainz.7KIhZvWuyrvTMb4DFLmYmC.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207020333/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mixed-fortunes-for-mclaren-as-norris-left-frustrated-by-mistakes-but-sainz.7KIhZvWuyrvTMb4DFLmYmC.html|archive-date=7 December 2020|access-date=6 December 2020|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en}} while Norris qualified fifteenth which he attributed to poor out-lap timing and an error.{{Cite web|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=6 December 2020|title=Norris says Sakhir F1 Q2 exit down to poor lap, poor timing|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-says-q2-exit-down-to-poor-lap-poor-timing/4922097/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207020336/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-says-q2-exit-down-to-poor-lap-poor-timing/4922097/|archive-date=7 December 2020|access-date=6 December 2020|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=5 December 2020|title=Lando Norris: 'First big mistake I've made all year'|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/lando-norris-first-big-mistake/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207020339/https://www.planetf1.com/news/lando-norris-first-big-mistake/|archive-date=7 December 2020|access-date=6 December 2020|website=PlanetF1|publisher=Planet Sport Publishing|language=en}} Norris was required to start nineteenth after replacing his internal combustion engine and turbocharger, exceeding his component limits.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Luke |date=7 December 2020 |title=Norris to start Sakhir GP from back with engine penalty |url=https://au.sports.yahoo.com/norris-start-sakhir-gp-back-150002554.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207020401/https://au.sports.yahoo.com/norris-start-sakhir-gp-back-150002554.html |archive-date=7 December 2020 |access-date=7 December 2020 |website=Yahoo Sports Australia |publisher=Verizon Media |language=en-AU |agency=Motorsport Network}} In the race, Sainz had a good start and was in third by the end of the first lap, and briefly challenged Valtteri Bottas of Mercedes for second place.{{Cite web|last=Bradley|first=Charles|date=7 December 2020|title=2020 F1 Sakhir GP results, Perez wins after Mercedes pit blunder|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sakhir-grand-prix-race-results/4922672/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207020355/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sakhir-grand-prix-race-results/4922672/|archive-date=7 December 2020|access-date=7 December 2020|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}} However, shortly after Sainz's second pitstop, a safety car gave rivals who passed him after his pitstop a tyre advantage.{{Cite web|last=Cooper|first=Adam|date=8 December 2020|title=McLaren: Safety car hurt "on the hunt" Sainz in Sakhir F1|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-safety-car-hampered-on-the-hunt-sainz/4923543/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209074657/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-safety-car-hampered-on-the-hunt-sainz/4923543/|archive-date=9 December 2020|access-date=9 December 2020|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}} At the restart, Sainz overtook Bottas to take fourth place.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=6 December 2020|title=2020 Sakhir Grand Prix|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/sakhir-grand-prix/2020-sakhir-grand-prix/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207020355/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/sakhir-grand-prix/2020-sakhir-grand-prix/|archive-date=7 December 2020|access-date=7 December 2020|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en}} Norris recovered to finish tenth after being passed by George Russell's Mercedes on the last lap, and said that he lacked the pace to challenge for higher positions, which he attributed to the MCL35's struggle with dirty air.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=9 December 2020|title=Norris credits 'homework' for superb Sakhir GP start, but says McLaren lacked pace to move further forward|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-credits-homework-for-superb-sakhir-gp-start-but-says-mclaren-lacked.6lYhgSErsdXjhKvcqRyXeq.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219073240/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-credits-homework-for-superb-sakhir-gp-start-but-says-mclaren-lacked.6lYhgSErsdXjhKvcqRyXeq.html|archive-date=19 December 2020|access-date=19 December 2020|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en}} McLaren dropped to fourth in the WCC after Racing Point finished first and third, while Sainz took seventh and Albon overtook Norris for eighth in the WDC.{{Cite web|last=Larkam|first=Lewis|date=6 December 2020|title=F1 World Championship points standings after the Sakhir GP|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/results/950022/1/f1-world-championship-points-standings-after-sakhir-gp|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207020343/https://www.crash.net/f1/results/950022/1/f1-world-championship-points-standings-after-sakhir-gp|archive-date=7 December 2020|access-date=7 December 2020|website=Crash|publisher=Crash Media Group|language=en}}

Norris qualified fourth and Sainz sixth for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.{{Cite web|last=Kalinauckas|first=Alex|date=12 December 2020|title=Abu Dhabi GP: Max Verstappen beats Mercedes duo to pole|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/abu-dhabi-gp-qualifying-report-verstappen/4925773/?ic_source=home-page-widget&ic_medium=widget&ic_campaign=widget-22|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212141848/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/abu-dhabi-gp-qualifying-report-verstappen/4925773/?ic_source=home-page-widget&ic_medium=widget&ic_campaign=widget-22|archive-date=12 December 2020|access-date=12 December 2020|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}} Norris said he was surprised by the small difference between himself and polesitter Verstappen, which was only 0.251 seconds, calling it his best lap of the year.{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Luke|date=13 December 2020|title=Norris surprised by small gap to Abu Dhabi GP pole|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-surprised-by-small-gap-to-abu-dhabi-gp-pole/4925962/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212171222/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-surprised-by-small-gap-to-abu-dhabi-gp-pole/4925962/|archive-date=12 December 2020|access-date=13 December 2020|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}} Norris finished fifth and Sainz sixth, scoring enough points to take third place in the WCC,{{Cite web|last=Bradley|first=Charles|date=14 December 2020|title=2020 F1 Abu Dhabi GP results, Verstappen beats Mercedes duo|url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/abu-dhabi-gp-race-results-f1/4926364/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214034457/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/abu-dhabi-gp-race-results-f1/4926364/|archive-date=14 December 2020|access-date=13 December 2020|website=Motorsport.com Australia|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=Larkam|first=Lewis|date=13 December 2020|title=McLaren secure P3 in F1 championship as Sainz avoids penalty|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/950394/1/mclaren-secure-p3-f1-championship-sainz-avoids-penalty|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214034451/https://www.crash.net/f1/news/950394/1/mclaren-secure-p3-f1-championship-sainz-avoids-penalty|archive-date=14 December 2020|access-date=14 December 2020|website=Crash|publisher=Crash Media Group|language=en}} McLaren's best finish since the {{F1|2012}} season.{{Cite web|last=Ladner|first=Ava|date=13 December 2020|title=McLaren on the Rise, Finishes Third in the Standings|url=https://www.frontstretch.com/2020/12/13/mclaren-on-the-rise-finishes-third-in-the-standings/|access-date=14 December 2020|website=Frontstretch|language=en-US|archive-date=14 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214034442/https://www.frontstretch.com/2020/12/13/mclaren-on-the-rise-finishes-third-in-the-standings/|url-status=live}} Sainz took sixth in the WDC, while Norris finished the season ninth.{{Cite web|last=Larkam|first=Lewis|date=13 December 2020|title=Final F1 World Championship points standings after the Abu Dhabi GP|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/results/950390/1/final-f1-world-championship-points-standings-after-abu-dhabi-gp|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214034516/https://www.crash.net/f1/results/950390/1/final-f1-world-championship-points-standings-after-abu-dhabi-gp|archive-date=14 December 2020|access-date=14 December 2020|website=Crash|publisher=Crash Media Group|language=en}} The team later called the race "quite possibly our smoothest" of the year in terms of strategy.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=18 December 2020|title=Strategy debrief – presented by FxPro|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/abu-dhabi-grand-prix/strategy-debrief/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219073240/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2020/abu-dhabi-grand-prix/strategy-debrief/|archive-date=19 December 2020|access-date=19 December 2020|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd|language=en}}

McLaren did not participate in the post-season young drivers' test, making the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix the final outing for the MCL35.{{Cite web|last=Larkam|first=Lewis|date=15 December 2020|title=Who is taking part in the 2020 Abu Dhabi F1 young drivers' test?|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/feature/950411/1/who-taking-part-2020-abu-dhabi-f1-young-drivers-test|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216065614/https://www.crash.net/f1/feature/950411/1/who-taking-part-2020-abu-dhabi-f1-young-drivers-test|archive-date=16 December 2020|access-date=16 December 2020|website=Crash|publisher=Crash Media Group|language=en}}

Although taking third in the WCC, the MCL35 was rarely the third fastest car on pure pace and was usually outperformed by the Racing Point RP20 and often the Renault R.S.20.{{Cite web|last1=Noble|first1=Jonathan|last2=Cleeren|first2=Filip|date=29 December 2020|title=Fast tracking updates key to McLaren's third in 2020 F1 championship|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/154385/fast-tracking-updates-key-to-mclaren-20-success|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201229142311/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/154385/fast-tracking-updates-key-to-mclaren-20-success|archive-date=29 December 2020|access-date=29 December 2020|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|url-access=limited|language=en}} Lawrence Barretto summarised the car as "lack[ing] downforce, lack[ing] low speed balance and [not] a fan of a tailwind", but also said that "the overall package was better, with a key strength lying in the high-speed corners", and pointed to Sainz's opening lap performance in Portugal as evidence of the MCL35's capability in cold conditions. McLaren later labelled the car's wind sensitivity "the MCL35's Achilles' heel."{{harvnb|Youson|2021|p=168}} Overall, the majority of McLaren's retirements in 2020 where not due to the chassis or driver error; usually retirements were due to incidents caused by other drivers or issues with the Renault E-Tech 20 engine.

Journalist David Tremayne described the MCL35 as "a consistent points scorer", a characteristic that enabled McLaren to remain competitive in seeking third place in the Constructors' Championship.{{Cite web|last=Tremayne|first=David|author-link=David Tremayne|date=17 December 2020|title=McLaren have found their way again – and more good times may be just around the corner|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.tremayne-mclaren-have-found-their-way-again-and-more-good-times-may-be-just.4xlxFLSj0dCbOfoctsGjbk.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218024342/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.tremayne-mclaren-have-found-their-way-again-and-more-good-times-may-be-just.4xlxFLSj0dCbOfoctsGjbk.html|archive-date=18 December 2020|access-date=18 December 2020|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en}} Barretto made a similar assessment, saying that the MCL35 allowed its drivers "to get the very best out of it more consistently – something Renault or Racing Point could not replicate."{{Cite web|last=Barretto|first=Lawrence|date=29 December 2020|title=How McLaren emerged as Mercedes and Red Bull's biggest threat – and why they could be a factor in 2021|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.how-mclaren-emerged-as-mercedes-and-red-bulls-biggest-threat-and-why-they.6WhsTdR5iMXvDxBG4qGP9O.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201229141243/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.how-mclaren-emerged-as-mercedes-and-red-bulls-biggest-threat-and-why-they.6WhsTdR5iMXvDxBG4qGP9O.html|archive-date=29 December 2020|access-date=29 December 2020|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en}}

In a reflection on the 2020 season, McLaren Sporting Director Andrea Stella said that the car's performance early in the season allowed the team to be "very competitive and at the front of the midfield" but this advantage was not retained over the second half of the season. Key said "Certain tracks and conditions, particularly in the latter part of the season, have not played to our strengths." Comparing the MCL35 to the MCL34, Key said the team had been "only around 50% successful in addressing the [MCL34's] weak spots" but "there's nothing fundamental about the car that is preventing us doing that [improving the car]. It's predominantly aero-related, with some set-up aspects."{{Cite web|last=Hughes|first=Mark|author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist)|date=23 December 2020|title=McLaren's last-gasp triumph vindicates its 2020 risks|url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/mclarens-last-gasp-triumph-vindicates-its-2020-risks/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223113844/https://the-race.com/formula-1/mclarens-last-gasp-triumph-vindicates-its-2020-risks/|archive-date=23 December 2020|access-date=16 January 2021|website=The Race|language=en-GB}}

{{See also|2021 Formula One World Championship#Technical regulations}}

File:FIA F1 Austria 2021 Nr. 3 Ricciardo (side).jpg during practice for the {{F1 GP|2021|Austrian}}]]

Due to the restrictions imposed by the FIA's token system for 2021 development, most of the aerodynamic changes for the MCL35M were introduced in the 2020 season.{{Cite web|last=Wood|first=Ryan|date=22 December 2020|title=McLaren MCL35M will be 'like a new car' despite stable regulations|url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/2020/12/22/mclaren-mcl35m-will-be-like-a-new-car-despite-stable-regulations/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201226003215/https://www.motorsportweek.com/2020/12/22/mclaren-mcl35m-will-be-like-a-new-car-despite-stable-regulations/|archive-date=26 December 2020|access-date=26 December 2020|website=Motorsport Week|publisher=Motorsport Media Services Ltd|language=en-GB}} McLaren "substantially re-engineer[ed] some areas" of the MCL35 to adapt to 2021 regulations that reduce the overall downforce of the car, while the switch to the Mercedes power unit necessitated the redesign of hydraulics,{{Cite web|last=Key|first=James|date=16 February 2021|title=Key changes|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2021/car-launch/key-changes/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210216125510/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2021/car-launch/key-changes/|archive-date=16 February 2021|access-date=16 February 2021|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en}} cooling, electronics, pipework for air and fluids, and control boxes.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=25 January 2021|title=MCL35M progress report|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/inside-the-mtc/mcl35m-progress-report/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127033328/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/inside-the-mtc/mcl35m-progress-report/|archive-date=27 January 2021|access-date=27 January 2021|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en}} These changes were driven by the different layout of the M12 over the {{Nowrap|E-Tech 20}}, since the Mercedes engine's turbine and compressor are in different locations:{{Cite web|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=15 February 2021|title=McLaren: 2021 F1 car has "fresh ideas" despite limitations|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/155060/mclaren-2021-car-has-fresh-ideas-despite-limitations|url-access=limited|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215231103/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/155060/mclaren-2021-car-has-fresh-ideas-despite-limitations|archive-date=15 February 2021|access-date=15 February 2021|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}} the E-Tech 20 had both the turbine and compressor at the rear of the engine, while the M12 places the compressor at the front and turbine at the rear to allow for a larger and more efficient power unit.{{Cite web|last=Butcher|first=Lawrence|date=15 February 2021|editor-last=Dunn|editor-first=Joe|title=2021 McLaren design changes: how it compares to last year's F1 car|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/2021-mclaren-design-changes-how-it-compares-to-last-years-f1-car|url-access=limited|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215204200/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/2021-mclaren-design-changes-how-it-compares-to-last-years-f1-car|archive-date=15 February 2021|access-date=19 April 2021|website=Motor Sport|publisher=Motor Sport Magazine Limited|location=London|language=en-GB|issn=0027-2019}} The MCL35M also saw the introduction of a new gearbox, which McLaren continued to develop independently. This new gearbox necessitated the extension of the car's wheelbase. Key described the MCL35M as "akin to a new car".

Key identified two target areas for improvement with the MCL35M: low-speed cornering performance and wind sensitivity, two areas in which the MCL35 struggled.{{Cite web|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=26 January 2021|title=McLaren targeting improvement in two key areas in F1 2021|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-low-speed-improvements-windtunnel/5188961/?ic_source=home-page-widget&ic_medium=widget&ic_campaign=widget-6|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127033331/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-low-speed-improvements-windtunnel/5188961/?ic_source=home-page-widget&ic_medium=widget&ic_campaign=widget-6|archive-date=27 January 2021|access-date=27 January 2021|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}} Production Director Piers Thynne said that "The number of new parts on the MCL35M is about the same as when we built the MCL35," meaning "essentially, we've been building a new car." However, gearbox internals were not changed, nor were some suspension components as these were allowed to be carried over from 2020 outside of the 2021 budget cap. The rear end of the chassis and the gearbox housing were changed significantly, hence McLaren was the only team required to re-homologate their chassis due to the changes in car architecture. The MCL35M passed FIA crash tests in December 2020.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Luke |date=28 January 2021 |title=Mercedes engine makes 2021 McLaren "essentially a new car" |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mercedes-power-unit-switch-2021-mclaren/5208519/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212232701/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mercedes-power-unit-switch-2021-mclaren/5208519/ |archive-date=12 February 2021 |access-date=28 January 2021 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en}} The air intake of the MCL35M was significantly changed from the MCL35's, becoming a more conventional design similar to that seen on the Mercedes vehicles. The sidepods also adopted a more sloping design in order to dump air onto the floor and into the diffuser to create more downforce and counter the effects of the 2021 technical regulations which were intended to reduce downforce.{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/155062/video-analysis-of-mclaren-mcl35m-challenger|title=Analysis of McLaren's 2021 F1 challenger, the MCL35M|date=15 February 2021|last=Boxall-Legge|first=Jake|type=video|language=en|publisher=Autosport|access-date=15 February 2021}}

The MCL35M's diffuser was a point of discussion during pre-season testing, since the car appeared to have diffuser strakes significantly longer than permitted under the 2021 rules.{{Cite web|last=Wood|first=Ryan|date=14 March 2021|title=McLaren's diffuser loophole raises eyebrows at F1 testing|url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/2021/03/14/technical-insight-mclarens-diffuser-loophole-raises-eyebrows-at-f1-testing/|url-status=live|access-date=15 March 2021|website=Motorsport Week|publisher=Motorsport Media Services Ltd|language=en-GB|archive-date=14 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314082240/https://www.motorsportweek.com/2021/03/14/technical-insight-mclarens-diffuser-loophole-raises-eyebrows-at-f1-testing/}} By attaching the inboard strakes to the floor of the car, the team could effectively run a larger diffuser.{{Cite web|last1=Sommerfield|first1=Matt|last2=Noble|first2=Jonathan|date=14 March 2021|title=McLaren's clever F1 diffuser trick on new car|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/revealed-mclaren-clever-diffuser-trick/5708741/|url-status=live|access-date=15 March 2021|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=14 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314172129/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/revealed-mclaren-clever-diffuser-trick/5708741/}} Key said he was surprised no other team had implemented the workaround, but characterized it as part of a larger aerodynamic concept and did not expect it to be copied or a continuing point of controversy.{{Cite web|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=15 March 2021|title=McLaren 'surprised' F1 rivals didn't adopt diffuser trick|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-surprised-f1-rivals-didnt-adopt-diffuser-trick/5738638/|url-status=live|access-date=15 March 2021|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=15 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210315183650/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-surprised-f1-rivals-didnt-adopt-diffuser-trick/5738638/}} In a review of 2021 development, journalists and technical analysts Mark Hughes and Giorgio Piola called McLaren's diffuser the "most original" innovation of the season.{{Cite web |last1=Hughes |first1=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist) |last2=Piola |first2=Giorgio |date=28 December 2021 |title=Most improved, best 'bang for buck' and more – it's our 2021 star car awards |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.tech-tuesday-most-improved-best-bang-for-buck-and-more-its-our-2021-star-car.xNcWcbmJMvh8U88pxTHDW.html |url-status=live |access-date=29 December 2021 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=28 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228224832/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.tech-tuesday-most-improved-best-bang-for-buck-and-more-its-our-2021-star-car.xNcWcbmJMvh8U88pxTHDW.html }}

{{See also|Formula One sponsorship liveries#McLaren}}

McLaren elected not to include any Mercedes branding on the 2021 livery, in contrast to the MCL35 which featured Renault branding.{{Cite web|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=16 February 2021|title=McLaren explains lack of Mercedes branding on 2021 F1 car|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-explains-lack-of-mercedes-branding/5407010/?ic_source=home-page-widget&ic_medium=widget&ic_campaign=widget-1&fbclid=IwAR3LRIvAzjQXjLRo6TkXV-59KASOWc0TZ-RGrc3cS8_RrW20p3TNPKxdkaY|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215231123/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-explains-lack-of-mercedes-branding/5407010/?ic_source=home-page-widget&ic_medium=widget&ic_campaign=widget-1|archive-date=15 February 2021|access-date=15 February 2021|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=15 February 2021|title=No Mercedes branding on McLaren's MCL35M|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/no-mercedes-mcl35m-branding/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215231053/https://www.planetf1.com/news/no-mercedes-mcl35m-branding/|archive-date=15 February 2021|access-date=15 February 2021|website=PlanetF1|publisher=Planet Sport Publishing|language=en}} Other than the removal of the #WeRaceAsOne graphic on the MCL35 halo (but the retention of the sidepod graphic) the MCL35M livery remained largely the same.{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Luke|date=15 February 2021|title=McLaren unveils MCL35M Formula 1 car ahead of 2021 season|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/155058/mclaren-unveils-mcl35m-2021-f1-car|url-access=limited|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215231124/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/155058/mclaren-unveils-mcl35m-2021-f1-car|archive-date=15 February 2021|access-date=15 February 2021|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}}

For the Monaco Grand Prix, McLaren received special permission from the FIA and Formula One to run the MCL35M with a one-off Gulf livery (a light blue livery with an orange stripe, featured by many Gulf Oil-sponsored teams). The branding was also applied to driver overalls and team uniforms,{{Cite web|date=16 May 2021|title=McLaren to run one-off livery for Monaco Grand Prix, using iconic Gulf colour scheme|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-mclaren-to-run-one-off-livery-for-monaco-grand-prix-gulf.4hkyBhSrcmPhpwK8WVIwu7.html|url-status=live|access-date=17 May 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en|archive-date=16 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516231144/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-mclaren-to-run-one-off-livery-for-monaco-grand-prix-gulf.4hkyBhSrcmPhpwK8WVIwu7.html}}{{Cite web|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=16 May 2021|title=McLaren reveals special Gulf Oil F1 livery for Monaco GP|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-gulf-oil-livery-monaco/6509958/|url-status=live|access-date=17 May 2021|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=16 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516231144/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-gulf-oil-livery-monaco/6509958/}} and both drivers used matching helmet designs for the Grand Prix.{{Cite web|last=Collantine|first=Keith|date=19 May 2021|title=Eight drivers reveal special Monaco Grand Prix helmets for 2021|url=https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/19/eight-drivers-reveal-special-monaco-grand-prix-helmets-for-2021/|url-status=live|access-date=20 May 2021|website=RaceFans|language=en-GB|archive-date=20 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520225442/https://www.racefans.net/2021/05/19/eight-drivers-reveal-special-monaco-grand-prix-helmets-for-2021/}} The team ran a second one-off livery at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in partnership with Vuse, featuring the work of local artist Rabab Tantawy.{{Cite web|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=8 December 2021|title=McLaren to run tweaked F1 livery for Abu Dhabi GP|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mclaren-to-run-new-f1-livery-for-abu-dhabi-gp/6860818/|url-access=limited|url-status=live|access-date=8 December 2021|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=8 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208024500/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mclaren-to-run-new-f1-livery-for-abu-dhabi-gp/6860818/}} Both liveries, but particularly the Gulf colours, had a positive reception amongst fans. The McLaren MCL36 featured a new colour scheme inspired by the success of the Gulf livery.{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathon |date=12 February 2022 |title=McLaren's Monaco Gulf livery inspired 2022 F1 colour tweak |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-monaco-gulf-livery-colour-tweak/8084627/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212152938/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-monaco-gulf-livery-colour-tweak/8084627/ |archive-date=12 February 2022 |access-date=29 March 2022 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en}}

After the conclusion of the 2020 season, Seidl said he did not believe McLaren could compete with Mercedes and Red Bull (who finished first and second in the 2020 WCC) in the 2021 season, and that the team would instead work to reduce their pace deficit over multiple seasons.{{Cite web|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=14 December 2020|title=McLaren downplays talk it can close Mercedes gap soon|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-close-gap-mercedes-2021/4926820/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222141644/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-close-gap-mercedes-2021/4926820/|archive-date=22 December 2020|access-date=22 December 2020|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=19 December 2020|title=McLaren need 'some years' to close gap to Mercedes|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/mclaren-mercedes-deficit/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222141556/https://www.planetf1.com/news/mclaren-mercedes-deficit/|archive-date=22 December 2020|access-date=22 December 2020|website=PlanetF1|publisher=Planet Sport Publishing|language=en}} McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said that the more competitive midfield meant McLaren "could find ourselves closer to Mercedes [...] but slipping to fifth in the Championship".{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=11 February 2021|title='McLaren could finish P5 yet closer to Mercedes'|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/zak-brown-mclaren-mercedes-battle/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212232716/https://www.planetf1.com/news/zak-brown-mclaren-mercedes-battle/|archive-date=12 February 2021|access-date=11 February 2021|website=PlanetF1|publisher=Planet Sport Publishing|language=en}} When questioned on the possibility of McLaren challenging for podiums more regularly in the 2021 season, Norris said "that's too much" and that "The Mercedes engine and back-end is a good step forward but it won't sort everything out. We won't be able to just get podiums in every race."{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=14 February 2021|title=Lando Norris: Multiple podiums 'too much' to ask for|url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/lando-norris-2021-expectations/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214222533/https://www.planetf1.com/news/lando-norris-2021-expectations/|archive-date=14 February 2021|access-date=15 February 2021|website=PlanetF1|publisher=Planet Sport Publishing|language=en}}

Hywel Thomas, managing director of Mercedes Powertrains, said they "have got some issues with the power units" mainly due to the restricted dynamometer use, but was confident these issues would be resolved by the start of the season. He announced that Mercedes would not deliver any upgrades to their 2021 engine, meaning the MCL35M used the same specification engine for the entire season.{{Efn|In comparison, both the Honda RA621H and the Ferrari 065/6 received an upgrade in-season at the Belgian and Turkish Grands Prix (respectively), while the Renault E-Tech 21 did not.{{Cite web|date=22 September 2021|title=Honda reveal 'final major development' to power unit as they go all out to beat Mercedes in final year in F1|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.honda-reveal-final-major-development-to-power-unit-as-they-go-all-out-to.5J5hgeQr7124PLLCYHSmNa.html|url-status=live|access-date=19 October 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en|archive-date=19 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019080918/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.honda-reveal-final-major-development-to-power-unit-as-they-go-all-out-to.5J5hgeQr7124PLLCYHSmNa.html}}{{Cite web|date=13 October 2021|title=Binotto reveals new-spec hybrid system was key to strong Ferrari performance in Istanbul|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.binotto-reveals-new-spec-hybrid-system-was-key-to-strong-ferrari-performance.6EZpieOW1j9FWSzcpEPXQO.html|url-status=live|access-date=19 October 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|archive-date=19 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019080916/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.binotto-reveals-new-spec-hybrid-system-was-key-to-strong-ferrari-performance.6EZpieOW1j9FWSzcpEPXQO.html}}}}{{Cite web|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=13 February 2021|title=Mercedes admits it has 'some issues' with 2021 F1 engine|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mercedes-engine-issues-2021-season/5388208/?ic_source=home-page-widget&ic_medium=widget&ic_campaign=widget-1|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212232738/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mercedes-engine-issues-2021-season/5388208/?ic_source=home-page-widget&ic_medium=widget&ic_campaign=widget-1|archive-date=12 February 2021|access-date=12 February 2021|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}} Key said that McLaren had not encountered these issues in its own dyno testing.{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Luke|date=15 February 2021|title=Ricciardo set for McLaren F1 debut on Tuesday in Silverstone shakedown|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/155059/ricciardo-to-drive-mclaren-at-silverstone-on-tuesday|url-access=limited|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215231122/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/155059/ricciardo-to-drive-mclaren-at-silverstone-on-tuesday|archive-date=15 February 2021|access-date=15 February 2021|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en}}

The MCL35M had its first shakedown on 16 February 2021 in a filming day at Silverstone Circuit. McLaren was generally quick in pre-season testing (held at the Bahrain International Circuit), setting several fastest laps without any major reliability issues. Norris said the test had "gone well" and that the team was "maybe a little more confident than we were last year."{{Cite web|last=Morlidge|first=Matt|date=15 March 2021|title=McLaren buoyed by strong start to F1 2021 at pre-season testing, as they catch Lewis Hamilton's eye|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12246874/mclaren-buoyed-by-strong-start-to-f1-2021-at-pre-season-testing-as-they-catch-lewis-hamiltons-eye|url-status=live|access-date=15 March 2021|website=Sky Sports F1|publisher=Sky Group Limited|language=en|archive-date=15 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210315210640/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12246874/mclaren-buoyed-by-strong-start-to-f1-2021-at-pre-season-testing-as-they-catch-lewis-hamiltons-eye}}

Both drivers appeared quick in practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix, but said they were dissatisfied with the MCL35M's handling and balance, and expected the team would be slower than Mercedes and Red Bull and closer to the rest of the field when it came to qualifying and the race.{{Cite web|date=26 March 2021|title='I don't want to get too confident' – Norris plays down Friday pace as he says McLaren 'didn't feel good'|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.i-dont-want-to-get-too-confident-norris-plays-down-friday-pace-as-he-says.6SOEG9VePqRqLZLgXVmNa.html|url-status=live|access-date=27 March 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en|archive-date=26 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326204013/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.i-dont-want-to-get-too-confident-norris-plays-down-friday-pace-as-he-says.6SOEG9VePqRqLZLgXVmNa.html}}{{Cite web|last=Larkam|first=Lewis|date=26 March 2021|title=Norris lacking confidence in McLaren F1 car despite P2 in Bahrain practice|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/973529/1/norris-lacking-confidence-mclaren-f1-car-despite-p2-bahrain-practice|url-status=live|access-date=27 March 2021|website=Crash|publisher=Crash Media Group|language=en|archive-date=26 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326173902/https://www.crash.net/f1/news/973529/1/norris-lacking-confidence-mclaren-f1-car-despite-p2-bahrain-practice}}{{Cite web|last=Mitchell|first=Scott|date=26 March 2021|title=Norris's downbeat appraisal despite ending practice second|url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/norriss-downbeat-appraisal-despite-ending-practice-2nd/|url-status=live|access-date=27 March 2021|website=The Race|language=en-GB|archive-date=26 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326221127/https://the-race.com/formula-1/norriss-downbeat-appraisal-despite-ending-practice-2nd/}} Ricciardo and Norris qualified sixth and seventh respectively.{{Cite web |date=28 March 2021 |title=F1's new world order arrives as Mad Max claims pole for season-opener |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/f1-2021-bahrain-grand-prix-qualifying-live-daniel-ricciardo-position-grid-lewis-hamilton-max-verstappen-times-result/news-story/26d10fc45f5ae23d07aa2473d5d307cb |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329081047/https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/f1-2021-bahrain-grand-prix-qualifying-live-daniel-ricciardo-position-grid-lewis-hamilton-max-verstappen-times-result/news-story/26d10fc45f5ae23d07aa2473d5d307cb?nk=e4955f6f99d048c128382a08722497fd-1617005447 |archive-date=29 March 2021 |access-date=28 March 2021 |website=Fox Sports Australia |publisher=Foxtel |language=en-AU |agency=Agence France-Presse}} In the race, Norris overtook Ricciardo and Leclerc in the opening laps and held position to finish fourth. Ricciardo struggled with tyre temperature and finished seventh.{{Cite web |last=Morgan |first=Riley |date=29 March 2021 |title=Daniel Ricciardo upstaged by teammate in chaotic F1 season-opener |url=https://au.sports.yahoo.com/f-1-daniel-ricciardo-upstaged-norris-bahrain-opener-221342026.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329081109/https://au.sports.yahoo.com/f-1-daniel-ricciardo-upstaged-norris-bahrain-opener-221342026.html |archive-date=29 March 2021 |access-date=29 March 2021 |website=Yahoo Sports Australia |publisher=Verizon Media |language=en-AU}}{{Cite web|last=Larkam|first=Lewis|date=28 March 2021|title=F1 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix – Full Race Results at Sakhir|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/results/974100/1/f1-2021-bahrain-grand-prix-full-race-results-sakhir|url-status=live|access-date=29 March 2021|website=Crash|publisher=Crash Media Group|language=en|archive-date=29 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329081053/https://www.crash.net/f1/results/974100/1/f1-2021-bahrain-grand-prix-full-race-results-sakhir}} Ricciardo's lack of pace was later attributed to damage to his car's floor after he was hit by Gasly in the opening laps.{{Cite web|last=Coch|first=Mat|date=30 March 2021|title=McLaren confirms cause of Ricciardo's lack of pace|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2021/03/30/mclaren-confirms-cause-of-ricciardos-lack-of-pace/|url-status=live|access-date=30 March 2021|website=Speedcafe.com|publisher=Speedcafe|language=en-US|archive-date=30 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330085453/https://www.speedcafe.com/2021/03/30/mclaren-confirms-cause-of-ricciardos-lack-of-pace/}} The result left McLaren third in the WCC after Red Bull and ahead of Ferrari, with Norris fourth and Ricciardo seventh in the WDC.{{Cite web|last1=Mayer|first1=Tim|author-link=Tim Mayer|last2=Norbury|first2=Richard|last3=Pirro|first3=Emanuele|last4=Al Hilli|first4=Mazen|date=28 March 2021|title=2021 Bahrain Grand Prix – Championship Points|url=https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2021%20Bahrain%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Championship%20Points.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329081057/https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2021%20Bahrain%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Championship%20Points.pdf|archive-date=29 March 2021|access-date=29 March 2021|website=FIA.com|publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|pages=2, 4}}

Ricciardo qualified sixth and Norris seventh for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, a result Norris was disappointed with given his final qualifying lap would have been third quickest had it not been struck for a track limits violation.{{Cite web|last=Cleeren|first=Filip|date=18 April 2021|title=Norris admits he 'effed it all up' in Imola F1 qualifying|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-effed-it-all-up-in-q3-at-imola/6312618/|url-status=live|access-date=18 April 2021|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=18 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418040206/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-effed-it-all-up-in-q3-at-imola/6312618/}} In the wet race, team orders were used to allow Norris to pass Ricciardo early in the race after the latter continued to struggle with pace.{{Cite web|last=Doyle|first=Michael|date=18 April 2021|title=Max Verstappen wins F1's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix after massive crash between George Russell and Valtteri Bottas|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-04-19/max-verstappen-wins-formula-one-emilia-romagna-grand-prix/100077408|url-status=live|access-date=19 April 2021|website=ABC News|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|language=en-AU|archive-date=18 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418214314/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-04-19/max-verstappen-wins-formula-one-emilia-romagna-grand-prix/100077408}} Norris finished third after losing second place to Hamilton after an extended battle in the closing laps, while Ricciardo finished the race sixth.{{Cite web |last=Richards |first=Giles |date=18 April 2021 |title=Max Verstappen wins Emilia Romagna F1 Grand Prix after Hamilton blunder |url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/apr/18/max-verstappen-wins-emilia-romagna-grand-prix-after-hamilton-blunder |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418200605/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/apr/18/max-verstappen-wins-emilia-romagna-grand-prix-after-hamilton-blunder |archive-date=18 April 2021 |access-date=19 April 2021 |website=The Guardian |place=Imola |language=en-UK |publication-place=London |issn=0261-3077 |oclc=60623878}} McLaren remained third in the WCC, with Norris moving up to third in the WDC and Ricciardo remaining seventh.{{Cite web|last1=Mayer|first1=Tim|author-link=Tim Mayer|last2=Silvia|first2=Bellot|last3=Kristensen|first3=Tom|last4=Arcangeli|first4=Iacopo|date=18 April 2021|title=2021 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – Championship Points|url=https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2021%20Emilia%20Romagna%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Championship%20Points.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502064043/https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2021%20Emilia%20Romagna%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Championship%20Points.pdf|archive-date=2 May 2021|access-date=19 April 2021|website=FIA.com|publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|pages=2, 4}} Seidl later said the team was pleased neither MCL35M chassis had sustained notable damage in the first two races, which would help ensure McLaren remained within their cost cap for the season.{{Cite web|date=25 April 2021|title=McLaren happy to have got through first races without major incident says Seidl, as rivals feel cost cap bite|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mclaren-happy-to-have-got-through-first-races-without-major-incident-says.7qrKrjvHJewlCxMyfUJ0hh.html|url-status=live|access-date=26 April 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Group|language=en|archive-date=26 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426065143/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mclaren-happy-to-have-got-through-first-races-without-major-incident-says.7qrKrjvHJewlCxMyfUJ0hh.html}}

Norris and Ricciardo qualified seventh and sixteenth, respectively, for the Portuguese Grand Prix.{{Cite web|last=Bradley|first=Charles|date=2 May 2021|title=Bottas takes F1 pole in Portugal|url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/grand-prix-qualifying-results-f1-portugal/6500103/|url-status=live|access-date=2 May 2021|website=Motorsport.com Australia|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501235323/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/grand-prix-qualifying-results-f1-portugal/6500103/}} Ricciardo's elimination in the first qualifying stage (Q1) was the first for a McLaren since the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix.{{Cite web|date=1 May 2021|title='Not a result I feel good about at all' – Ricciardo at a loss to explain 'grim' Q1 exit in Portugal|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.not-a-result-i-feel-good-about-at-all-ricciardo-at-a-loss-to-explain-grim-q1.3gyfZSYSMSyO3ufHn9sOJf.html|url-status=live|access-date=2 May 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Group|language=en-US|archive-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501203352/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.not-a-result-i-feel-good-about-at-all-ricciardo-at-a-loss-to-explain-grim-q1.3gyfZSYSMSyO3ufHn9sOJf.html}} In the race, Norris finished fifth and Ricciardo recovered to ninth, meaning McLaren remained the only team to have had both drivers score points in every race of the season.{{Cite web|date=2 May 2021|title='It was a lot of fun' – Lando Norris revels in McLaren pace after third straight top-5 finish|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.it-was-a-lot-of-fun-norris-revels-in-mclaren-pace-after-third-straight-top-5.7HVPNDKtgcQK1AHCbVOgeK.html|url-status=live|access-date=3 May 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en|archive-date=3 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503050525/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.it-was-a-lot-of-fun-norris-revels-in-mclaren-pace-after-third-straight-top-5.7HVPNDKtgcQK1AHCbVOgeK.html}}

McLaren ran the MCL35M with a T-wing{{Cite web|last1=Piola|first1=Giorgio|last2=Somerfield|first2=Matthew|date=7 May 2021|title=Spanish GP: Best F1 2021 technical images from Barcelona|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/spanish-f1-technical-images-barcelona/6503726/|url-status=live|access-date=7 May 2021|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=6 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506224750/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/spanish-f1-technical-images-barcelona/6503726/}} and introduced a new front wing and floor for the Spanish Grand Prix.{{Cite web|last=McDonagh|first=Connor|date=7 May 2021|title=Ricciardo still lacking confidence despite McLaren F1 upgrades for Spanish GP|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/977319/1/ricciardo-still-lacking-confidence-despite-mclaren-f1-upgrades-spanish-gp|url-status=live|access-date=8 May 2021|website=Crash|publisher=Crash Media Group|language=en|archive-date=7 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507182212/https://www.crash.net/f1/news/977319/1/ricciardo-still-lacking-confidence-despite-mclaren-f1-upgrades-spanish-gp}} The new front wing was optimized to suit a higher-downforce configuration, while McLaren became the eighth team to implement a Z-shaped floor cut-out.{{Efn|The Z-shape cutout involves the removal of a portion of the edge of the car's floor, designed to create a vortex at the edge of the floor to increase negative pressure under the car. This increases the downforce produced by the floor, lessening the downforce lost due to the 2021 regulation changes.{{Cite web|last1=Hughes|first1=Mark|author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist)|last2=Piola|first2=Giorgio|date=27 April 2021|title=What is the 'Z-shaped' floor solution – and why are more and more teams using it?|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.tech-tuesday-what-is-the-z-shaped-floor-solution-and-why-are-more-and-more.7jVDHWSEIhdfK7DK5Jb5U1.html|url-status=live|access-date=9 May 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429052832/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.tech-tuesday-what-is-the-z-shaped-floor-solution-and-why-are-more-and-more.7jVDHWSEIhdfK7DK5Jb5U1.html}}}}{{Cite web|last1=Somerfield|first1=Matt|last2=Piola|first2=Giorgio|date=8 May 2021|title=What is behind McLaren's latest F1 upgrades|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/what-is-behind-mclarens-latest-f1-upgrades/6504405/|url-status=live|access-date=9 May 2021|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=8 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508095100/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/what-is-behind-mclarens-latest-f1-upgrades/6504405/}} The overall effect of the upgrades was to reduce the pitch sensitivity of the car.{{Efn|Pitch sensitivity refers to the instability in the car caused by unbalanced downforce as the ride height of the car changes under braking.}}{{Cite magazine|last=Hughes|first=Mark|author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist)|date=July 2021|editor-last=Dunn|editor-first=Joe|title=McLaren's Z-floor: analysing the latest 2021 F1 upgrade|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/july-2021/38/mclarens-z-floor-analysing-the-latest-2021-f1-upgrade|url-status=live|magazine=Motor Sport|language=en-GB|location=London|publisher=Motor Sport Magazine Limited|volume=97|issue=7|pages=38–39|issn=0027-2019|access-date=28 May 2021|archive-date=10 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610230005/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/july-2021/38/mclarens-z-floor-analysing-the-latest-2021-f1-upgrade}} Ricciardo qualified seventh and stated he felt more confident in the MCL35M with the upgrade package.{{Cite web|last1=Cleeren|first1=Filip|last2=Cooper|first2=Adam|date=9 May 2021|title=Ricciardo more confident in McLaren F1 car after 'mini breakthrough'|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-more-confident-in-mclaren-f1-car-after-mini-breakthrough/6505149/|url-access=limited|url-status=live|access-date=9 May 2021|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=8 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508163456/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-more-confident-in-mclaren-f1-car-after-mini-breakthrough/6505149/}} Norris qualified ninth, a result he was disappointed with after he was impeded by Haas driver Nikita Mazepin in Q1 and had to use an extra set of soft tyres, limiting the running he could do in Q3.{{Cite web|last1=Noble|first1=Jonathan|last2=Cooper|first2=Adam|date=8 May 2021|title=Norris: Q1 traffic "cost me" later in F1 Spanish GP qualifying|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/norris-q1-traffic-cost-me-later-in-f1-spanish-gp-qualifying/6505091/|url-access=limited|url-status=live|access-date=9 May 2021|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=8 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508155220/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/norris-q1-traffic-cost-me-later-in-f1-spanish-gp-qualifying/6505091/}}{{Cite web|last=Galloway|first=James|date=8 May 2021|title=Nikita Mazepin penalised by stewards for impeding McLaren's Lando Norris in qualifying|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/36799/12300907/spanish-gp-nikita-mazepin-penalised-by-stewards-for-impeding-mclarens-lando-norris-in-qualifying|url-status=live|access-date=9 May 2021|website=Sky Sports F1|publisher=Sky Group Limited|language=en|archive-date=8 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508221235/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/36799/12300907/spanish-gp-nikita-mazepin-penalised-by-stewards-for-impeding-mclarens-lando-norris-in-qualifying}} The issue was compounded by floor damage Norris incurred after running wide in turns eight and nine in his first Q3 lap.{{Cite web|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=18 May 2021|title=Norris reveals car damage triggered latest Q3 stumble|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-reveals-car-damage-triggered-latest-q3-stumble-/6510255/|url-status=live|access-date=19 May 2021|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=19 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519081126/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-reveals-car-damage-triggered-latest-q3-stumble-/6510255/}} Ricciardo finished the race sixth and Norris eighth, a result Seidl said he was happy with given the difficulty of overtaking on the circuit.{{Cite web|last=Coch|first=Mat|date=10 May 2021|title=McLaren wary of Ferrari challenge|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2021/05/10/mclaren-wary-of-ferrari-challenge/|url-status=live|access-date=10 May 2021|website=Speedcafe.com|publisher=Speedcafe|language=en-US|archive-date=10 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510133915/https://www.speedcafe.com/2021/05/10/mclaren-wary-of-ferrari-challenge/}} In the WDC, Norris lost third place to Bottas.{{Cite web|last=Larkam|first=Lewis|date=9 May 2021|title=F1 World Championship points standings after the 2021 Spanish GP|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/results/977552/1/f1-world-championship-points-standings-after-2021-spanish-gp|url-status=live|access-date=10 May 2021|website=Crash|publisher=Crash Media Group|language=en|archive-date=9 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509161215/https://www.crash.net/f1/results/977552/1/f1-world-championship-points-standings-after-2021-spanish-gp}}

The MCL35M featured a one-off Gulf livery for the Monaco Grand Prix (see {{Section link||Liveries}}). Norris qualified for the race fifth, but Ricciardo was eliminated in Q2 and was classified twelfth.{{Cite web|last=Doyle|first=Michael|date=22 May 2021|title=Daniel Ricciardo struggles at Monaco Grand Prix, qualifying 12th, Ferrari on pole|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-23/daniel-ricciardo-struggles-at-monaco-grand-prix-qualifying-12th/100158622|url-status=live|access-date=23 May 2021|website=ABC News|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|language=en-AU|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522205333/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-23/daniel-ricciardo-struggles-at-monaco-grand-prix-qualifying-12th/100158622}} Ricciardo described the MCL35M as having a much narrower operating window than other cars he had driven, which was contributing to his struggles.{{Cite interview|last=Ricciardo|first=Daniel|subject-link=Daniel Ricciardo|interviewer=Natalie Pinkham|title=Grand Prix Sunday: Monaco|publisher=Sky Sports F1|date=23 May 2021}} In the race, Norris defended his position from Pérez to finish third after Leclerc did not start and Bottas retired.{{Cite web|last=Lewin|first=Andrew|date=23 May 2021|title=Norris stunned by unexpected dream result in Monaco|url=https://f1i.com/news/406607-norris-stunned-unexpected-dream-result-monaco.html|url-status=live|access-date=24 May 2021|website=F1i.com|publisher=Digital Motorsport Media|language=en|archive-date=24 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524090831/https://f1i.com/news/406607-norris-stunned-unexpected-dream-result-monaco.html}} Ricciardo lost places on the race start before eventually being lapped by Norris and finishing twelfth.{{Cite web|last1=Doyle|first1=Michael|last2=Johnson|first2=Paul|date=23 May 2021|title=Daniel Ricciardo lapped by McLaren teammate Lando Norris at Monaco Grand Prix|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-23/daniel-ricciardo-lapped-by-norris-verstappen-wins-monaco-gp/100159482|url-status=live|access-date=24 May 2021|website=ABC News|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|language=en-AU|archive-date=23 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523153416/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-23/daniel-ricciardo-lapped-by-norris-verstappen-wins-monaco-gp/100159482}} This was the first time a McLaren had been classified outside the top ten since the 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix, and ended McLaren's streak of both drivers scoring points at every race in 2021. Norris regained third in the WDC, while Ricciardo fell to eighth.{{Cite web|last1=Shetty|first1=Nish|last2=Dean|first2=Dennis|last3=Abed|first3=José|last4=Liuzzi|first4=Vitantonio|author-link4=Vitantonio Liuzzi|last5=Barrabino|first5=Eric|date=23 May 2021|title=2021 Monaco Grand Prix – Championship Points|url=https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2021%20Monaco%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Championship%20Points.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=24 May 2021|website=FIA.com|publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|pages=2–4|archive-date=28 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210528143638/https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2021%20Monaco%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Championship%20Points.pdf}}

In a qualifying session interrupted with many yellow and red flags, Norris qualified sixth and Ricciardo thirteenth for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with the latter's qualifying ending after colliding with the barriers.{{Cite web|date=5 June 2021|title=Leclerc on pole for Azerbaijan after crashes halt qualifying|url=https://apnews.com/article/sports-europe-europe-azerbaijan-formula-one-entertainment-474c1814bb7c8e0ed542e00356097b91|url-status=live|access-date=7 June 2021|website=AP News|publisher=Associated Press|archive-date=7 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607020044/https://apnews.com/article/sports-europe-europe-azerbaijan-formula-one-entertainment-474c1814bb7c8e0ed542e00356097b91}} Norris was awarded a three-place grid penalty for violating red flag procedures and started the race ninth.{{Cite news|last=Benson|first=Andrew|date=5 June 2021|title=Grid penalty unfair – Norris|language=en-GB|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/57365085|access-date=7 June 2021|archive-date=7 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607091206/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/57365085|url-status=live}} Norris had a poor start and fell to twelfth,{{Cite web|date=6 June 2021|title=2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2021/azerbaijan-grand-prix/2021-azerbaijan-grand-prix/|url-status=live|access-date=7 June 2021|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en|archive-date=7 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607020044/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2021/azerbaijan-grand-prix/2021-azerbaijan-grand-prix/}} but both drivers avoided the incidents occurring on track and worked their way up to fifth and ninth.{{Cite web|date=6 June 2021|title=Pérez wins Azerbaijan GP after Verstappen crashes from lead|url=https://apnews.com/article/auto-racing-europe-azerbaijan-formula-one-entertainment-6107c8978c0bc53a5d5c9426b1c426cf|url-status=live|access-date=7 June 2021|website=AP News|publisher=Associated Press|archive-date=7 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607020043/https://apnews.com/article/auto-racing-europe-azerbaijan-formula-one-entertainment-6107c8978c0bc53a5d5c9426b1c426cf}} Norris lost third place in the WDC to race winner Pérez, while Ricciardo fell to tenth. The team lost third place in the WCC to Ferrari.{{Cite web|last=Larkam|first=Lewis|date=6 June 2021|title=F1 World Championship points standings after the 2021 Azerbaijan GP|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/results/980280/1/f1-world-championship-points-standings-after-2021-azerbaijan-gp|url-status=live|access-date=7 June 2021|website=Crash|publisher=Crash Media Group|language=en|archive-date=7 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607020044/https://www.crash.net/f1/results/980280/1/f1-world-championship-points-standings-after-2021-azerbaijan-gp}}

Major McLaren Group shareholder Mansour Ojjeh died shortly before the 2021 French Grand Prix, and his name was featured on the side of the cars as a tribute.{{cite web |last=Elson |first=James |date=2021-06-18 |editor-last=Dunn |editor-first=Joe |title=McLaren uses Mansour Ojjeh's name on side of F1 car in tribute to key shareholder |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/mclaren-runs-mansour-ojjehs-name-on-side-of-f1-car-in-tribute-to-key-shareholder |url-access=limited |access-date=1 November 2022 |website=Motor Sport |publisher=Motor Sport Magazine Limited |location=London |issn=0027-2019}} The MCL35M featured a new rear wing endplate for the race with horizontal louvres rather than vertical strakes to better control turbulence at the rear of the car.{{Cite web|last1=Hughes|first1=Mark|author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist)|last2=Piola|first2=Giorgio|date=13 July 2021|title=The unorthodox rear wing helping McLaren mix it with Mercedes and Red Bull|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.tech-tuesday-the-unorthodox-rear-wing-helping-mclaren-mix-it-with-mercedes.2SXZauxiTqZRvPfxzKU3Ss.html|url-status=live|access-date=14 July 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en|archive-date=14 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714012446/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.tech-tuesday-the-unorthodox-rear-wing-helping-mclaren-mix-it-with-mercedes.2SXZauxiTqZRvPfxzKU3Ss.html}} The upgrade package also included a new, slimmer engine cover, and introduced 'horns' (fins mounted at the front of the car, just ahead of the halo) to redirect airflow over the top of the car.{{Cite web|last=Giuliana|first=Rosario|date=20 June 2021|title=Technical Insight: McLaren continues its development drive in France|url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/2021/06/20/technical-insight-mclaren-continues-its-development-drive-in-france/|url-status=live|access-date=23 June 2021|website=Motorsport Week|publisher=Motorsport Media Services Ltd.|language=en-GB|archive-date=20 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620060418/https://www.motorsportweek.com/2021/06/20/technical-insight-mclaren-continues-its-development-drive-in-france/}}{{Cite web|last1=Somerfield|first1=Matt|last2=Piola|first2=Giorgio|date=23 June 2021|title=The Mercedes-style F1 tweaks helping McLaren push forward|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/the-mercedes-style-f1-tweaks-helping-mclaren-push-forward/6599421/|url-access=limited|url-status=live|access-date=23 June 2021|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624094512/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/the-mercedes-style-f1-tweaks-helping-mclaren-push-forward/6599421/}} Norris qualified for the race eighth, and after falling to tenth after a poor start finished fifth; Ricciardo qualified tenth and finished sixth.{{Cite web |last=Richards |first=Giles |date=19 June 2021 |title=Max Verstappen holds off Lewis Hamilton to take pole at French GP |url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jun/19/max-verstappen-lewis-hamilton-french-gp-qualifying |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620063916/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jun/19/max-verstappen-lewis-hamilton-french-gp-qualifying |archive-date=20 June 2021 |access-date=20 June 2021 |website=The Guardian |place=Le Castellet |language=en |publication-place=London |issn=0261-3077 |oclc=60623878}}{{Cite web|last=McDonagh|first=Connor|date=20 June 2021|title=Norris: McLaren "overachieved" with P5 & P6 in F1 French GP|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/981341/1/norris-mclaren-overachieved-p5-p6-f1-french-gp|url-status=live|access-date=21 June 2021|website=Crash|publisher=Crash Media Group|language=en|archive-date=21 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621181200/https://www.crash.net/f1/news/981341/1/norris-mclaren-overachieved-p5-p6-f1-french-gp}} McLaren reclaimed third place in the WCC as Ferrari struggled with tyre degradation on their car, while Ricciardo moved up to ninth in the WDC.{{Cite web|last=McDonagh|first=Connor|date=20 June 2021|title=F1 World Championship points standings after the 2021 French GP|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/results/981321/1/f1-world-championship-points-standings-after-2021-french-gp|url-status=live|access-date=21 June 2021|website=Crash|publisher=Crash Media Group|language=en|archive-date=20 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620150207/https://www.crash.net/f1/results/981321/1/f1-world-championship-points-standings-after-2021-french-gp}}

At the Styrian Grand Prix, Norris qualified fourth but was promoted to third due to a penalty issued to Bottas, while Ricciardo qualified thirteenth.{{Cite web|last=Bradley|first=Charles|date=27 June 2021|title=Grand Prix qualifying results: Verstappen on F1 pole in Styria|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/grand-prix-qualifying-results-pole/6611034/|url-status=live|access-date=27 June 2021|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=27 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627045841/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/grand-prix-qualifying-results-pole/6611034/}} Norris allowed Pérez and Bottas to pass him in the opening laps, as McLaren did not believe the MCL35M had the pace to maintain position ahead of the Red Bull and Mercedes cars, and finished fifth.{{Cite web|date=27 June 2021|title=Norris frustrated not to challenge Red Bull and Mercedes in Styrian GP after starting P3|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-frustrated-not-to-challenge-red-bull-and-mercedes-in-styrian-gp-after.1b1XLsGCKreQYp6NsinO79.html|url-status=live|access-date=29 June 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en|archive-date=29 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629010715/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-frustrated-not-to-challenge-red-bull-and-mercedes-in-styrian-gp-after.1b1XLsGCKreQYp6NsinO79.html}} Ricciardo made up four places on the race start until he suffered a power unit issue and fell to twelfth. Although the issue was fixed, Ricciardo finished thirteenth.{{Cite web|last=Cooper|first=Adam|date=29 June 2021|title=Ricciardo: F1 power unit glitch was 'disheartening'|url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-disheartening-power-unit-glitch/6617883/|url-status=live|access-date=29 June 2021|website=Motorsport.com Australia|language=en|archive-date=29 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629010716/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-disheartening-power-unit-glitch/6617883/}}

File:FIA F1 Austria 2021 Post Qualifying Scene 2.jpg

The car featured a new floor and additional guide vanes near the Z-shape cutout for the Austrian Grand Prix,{{Cite web|last=Hughes|first=Mark|author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist)|date=5 July 2021|title=How McLaren's upgrades helped Red Bull turn the screw on Mercedes in Austria|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.how-mclarens-upgrades-helped-red-bull-turn-the-screw-on-mercedes-in-austria.5v7IXwwbVkssl7DjJ9HyKt.html|url-status=live|access-date=6 July 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en|archive-date=6 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706031129/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.how-mclarens-upgrades-helped-red-bull-turn-the-screw-on-mercedes-in-austria.5v7IXwwbVkssl7DjJ9HyKt.html}} and the cut-out's area was reduced.{{Cite web|last1=Piola|first1=Giorgio|last2=Somerfield|first2=Matt|date=8 July 2021|title=The F1 changes that have helped McLaren challenge Mercedes|url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/tech-changes-mclaren-challenge-mercedes/6627448/?filters%5Btopic%5D%5B0%5D%5Btitle%5D=Giorgio+Piola%27s+F1+technical+analysis&filters%5Btopic%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D=23|url-status=live|access-date=14 July 2021|website=Motorsport.com Australia|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=14 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714012452/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/tech-changes-mclaren-challenge-mercedes/6627448/?filters%5Btopic%5D%5B0%5D%5Btitle%5D=Giorgio+Piola%27s+F1+technical+analysis&filters%5Btopic%5D%5B0%5D%5Bvalue%5D=23}} Norris qualified second for the race, 0.048 seconds off polesitter Verstappen's time and out-qualifying both works Mercedes cars – the first time a McLaren had qualified on the front row since {{F1|2012}}, and Norris' career-best qualifying result.{{Cite web|last=Kelly|first=Sean|date=3 July 2021|title=2021 Austrian Grand Prix qualifying facts and stats: McLaren secure first front row start for almost a decade|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.austrian-gp-qualifying-facts-and-stats-mclaren-secure-first-front-row-start.1zuvvwLS7n6VGNkcU43KIc.html|url-status=live|access-date=4 July 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en|archive-date=5 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705010218/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.austrian-gp-qualifying-facts-and-stats-mclaren-secure-first-front-row-start.1zuvvwLS7n6VGNkcU43KIc.html}} Ricciardo qualified thirteenth.{{Cite web|last=Kalinauckas|first=Alex|date=3 July 2021|title=Verstappen beats Norris to pole, Hamilton fourth|url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-austrian-gp-qualifying-report-verstappen/6624806/|url-status=live|access-date=4 July 2021|website=Motorsport.com Australia|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=5 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705010238/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-austrian-gp-qualifying-report-verstappen/6624806/}} Norris held position for the first 20 laps, and in doing so attracted a five-second penalty for forcing Pérez to run wide. The penalty was served on-track at Norris' scheduled pit stop, and he recovered to overtake Hamilton for third place on lap 52 and finished on the podium for the third time in the 2021 season.{{Cite web|last=Kalinauckas|first=Alex|date=4 July 2021|title=Austrian GP: Verstappen takes dominant win from Bottas, Norris|url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/austrian-gp-race-report-verstappen-norris-6625487/6625489/|url-status=live|access-date=5 July 2021|website=Motorsport.com Australia|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=5 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705010217/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/austrian-gp-race-report-verstappen-norris-6625487/6625489/}} Both Seidl and Norris said they believed the team would have been able to challenge for second place had they not been awarded a penalty.{{Cite web|date=6 July 2021|title=Seidl praises 'sensational' Austrian GP drives from Norris and Ricciardo, as he says penalty cost team P2|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.seidl-praises-sensational-austrian-gp-drives-from-norris-and-ricciardo-as-he.7pO1ntR2ePuQxRWjJdry4y.html|url-status=live|access-date=7 July 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en|archive-date=6 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706173915/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.seidl-praises-sensational-austrian-gp-drives-from-norris-and-ricciardo-as-he.7pO1ntR2ePuQxRWjJdry4y.html}} Ricciardo finished seventh,{{Cite web |last=Richards |first=Giles |date=4 July 2021 |title=Max Verstappen strolls to Austrian F1 GP win with Lewis Hamilton fourth |url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jul/04/max-verstappen-strolls-to-austrian-f1-gp-win-with-lewis-hamilton-fourth |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705010220/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jul/04/max-verstappen-strolls-to-austrian-f1-gp-win-with-lewis-hamilton-fourth |archive-date=5 July 2021 |access-date=5 July 2021 |website=The Guardian |place=Spielberg |language=en |publication-place=London |issn=0261-3077 |oclc=60623878}} and improved to eighth in the WDC.{{Cite web|last1=Ennser|first1=Gerd|last2=Longoni|first2=Paolo|last3=Warwick|first3=Derek|author-link3=Derek Warwick|last4=Jobst|first4=Walter|date=4 July 2021|title=2021 Austrian Grand Prix – Championship Points|url=https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2021%20Austrian%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Championship%20Points.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705010221/https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2021%20Austrian%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Championship%20Points.pdf|archive-date=5 July 2021|access-date=5 July 2021|website=FIA.com|publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|pages=4}}

File:2021 British Grand Prix (51349486418).jpg pursuing the Ferrari SF21 of Charles Leclerc with the AlphaTauri AT02 of Yuki Tsunoda following behind, during the British Grand Prix.|left]]

Norris qualified sixth and Ricciardo seventh for the first trial of sprint qualifying at the British Grand Prix.{{Cite web |last=Richards |first=Giles |date=16 July 2021 |title=Lewis Hamilton at front of grid for F1's historic first sprint qualifying race |url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jul/16/lewis-hamilton-at-front-of-grid-for-f1s-historic-first-sprint-qualifying-race |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717002722/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jul/16/lewis-hamilton-at-front-of-grid-for-f1s-historic-first-sprint-qualifying-race |archive-date=17 July 2021 |access-date=17 July 2021 |website=The Guardian |place=Silverstone |language=en |publication-place=London |issn=0261-3077 |oclc=60623878}} Both drivers improved by one place to start the race fifth and sixth.{{Cite web|last=Kalinauckas|first=Alex|date=18 July 2021|title=Verstappen beats Hamilton in sprint to claim GP pole|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/british-gp-sprint-qualifying-report/6632306/|url-access=limited|url-status=live|access-date=18 July 2021|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=18 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718012156/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/british-gp-sprint-qualifying-report/6632306/}} Norris overtook Bottas on the race start and inherited third place after Verstappen and Hamilton collided, with the former crashing out of the race. He finished the race fourth but was disappointed after a slow pit stop allowed Bottas to recover his position.{{Cite web|date=18 July 2021|title='I wanted that little bit more' – Norris disappointed after slow pit stop costs him shot at British GP podium|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.i-wanted-that-little-bit-more-norris-disappointed-after-slow-pit-stop-costs.1cRqifHUHe5zn6Lny64DwN.html|url-status=live|access-date=19 July 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en|archive-date=18 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718201910/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.i-wanted-that-little-bit-more-norris-disappointed-after-slow-pit-stop-costs.1cRqifHUHe5zn6Lny64DwN.html}} Ricciardo moved up to and finished fifth, defending his position from Sainz after both completed their scheduled pit stops.{{Cite web|last=Doyle|first=Michael|date=18 July 2021|title=Lewis Hamilton wins controversial Formula 1 British Grand Prix after Max Verstappen crashes on lap one|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-19/lewis-hamilton-wins-british-grand-prix-verstappen-crash/100303476|url-status=live|access-date=19 July 2021|website=ABC News|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|language=en-AU|archive-date=19 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719010947/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-19/lewis-hamilton-wins-british-grand-prix-verstappen-crash/100303476}} Norris moved up to third place in the WDC.{{Cite web|last=McLuskie|first=Toby|date=18 July 2021|title=Lando Norris on fourth-place finish: 'I can't be not satisfied'|url=https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/89462/lando-norris-on-fourth-place-finish-i-can-t-be-not-satisfied.html|url-status=live|access-date=19 July 2021|website=GPblog.com|publisher=Autosport International B.V.|language=en|archive-date=19 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719011911/https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/89462/lando-norris-on-fourth-place-finish-i-can-t-be-not-satisfied.html}} After the race, Norris suggested that the Ferrari SF21 was a faster car than the MCL35M, and singled out the SF21's tyre management and high-temperature performance over the McLaren.{{Cite web|last=Horton|first=Phillip|date=18 July 2021|title=Norris: Ferrari too fast for McLaren at Silverstone|url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/2021/07/18/norris-ferrari-too-fast-for-mclaren-at-silverstone/|url-status=live|access-date=19 July 2021|website=Motorsport Week|publisher=Motorsport Media Services Ltd.|language=en-GB|archive-date=19 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719011911/https://www.motorsportweek.com/2021/07/18/norris-ferrari-too-fast-for-mclaren-at-silverstone/}}

McLaren delivered their final major upgrade to the MCL35M at the Hungarian Grand Prix in order to focus on the car's successor;{{Cite web|date=29 June 2021|title=McLaren to stop development of 2021 car from August|url=https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/87907/mclaren-to-stop-development-of-2021-car-from-august.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629203927/https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/87907/mclaren-to-stop-development-of-2021-car-from-august.html|archive-date=29 June 2021|access-date=30 June 2021|website=GPblog.com|publisher=Autosport International B.V.|language=en}} the package featured revised bargeboards.{{Cite web|last1=Somerfield|first1=Matthew|last2=Piola|first2=Giorgio|date=31 July 2021|title=Hungarian GP: Key F1 tech updates, direct from the garages|url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/hungarian-gp-key-f1-tech-updates-direct-from-the-garages/6638907/|url-status=live|access-date=1 August 2021|website=Motorsport.com Australia|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801120221/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/hungarian-gp-key-f1-tech-updates-direct-from-the-garages/6638907/}} Norris qualified sixth for the race and Ricciardo eleventh.{{Cite web|last=Pugmire|first=Jerome|date=31 July 2021|title=Hamilton takes pole in Hungary as he aims for 100th F1 win|url=https://apnews.com/article/sports-europe-auto-racing-formula-one-b9aee35b75fbd0547044c5ac4ad965b9|url-status=live|access-date=1 August 2021|website=AP News|publisher=Associated Press|language=en|archive-date=31 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731194336/https://apnews.com/article/sports-europe-auto-racing-formula-one-b9aee35b75fbd0547044c5ac4ad965b9}} Both drivers had good starts: Norris had made his way up to third place by the first corner, but was hit from behind by Bottas and then collided with Verstappen.{{Cite web|last1=Smith|first1=Luke|last2=Cooper|first2=Adam|date=1 August 2021|title=Norris would 'expect more racing the top guys' after Bottas crash|url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-would-expect-more-racing-the-top-guys-after-bottas-crash/6640507/|url-status=live|access-date=2 August 2021|website=Motorsport.com Australia|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801143142/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-would-expect-more-racing-the-top-guys-after-bottas-crash/6640507/}} Simultaneously, Stroll collided with Leclerc who was forced into Ricciardo.{{Cite web|last=Coch|first=Mat|date=1 August 2021|title=Ricciardo damage cost eight tenths a lap in Hungary|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2021/08/02/ricciardo-damage-cost-eight-tenths-a-lap-in-hungary/|url-status=live|access-date=2 August 2021|website=Speedcafe.com|publisher=Speedcafe|language=en-US|archive-date=1 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801193558/https://www.speedcafe.com/2021/08/02/ricciardo-damage-cost-eight-tenths-a-lap-in-hungary/}} Both MCL35Ms suffered heavy damage, and Norris retired during the red flag, becoming the first McLaren retirement since the 2020 Eifel Grand Prix and ending his fifteen race point-scoring streak. Ricciardo's damage was estimated to cost him approximately 0.8 seconds per lap. He finished the race twelfth and was promoted to eleventh after Vettel's disqualification, making the Hungarian Grand Prix the team's first pointless race in seventeen Grands Prix. Ferrari drew level with McLaren on points in the WCC, and took third place after the count-back. Ricciardo lost eighth in the WDC. After the Grand Prix, McLaren remained at the track for two days to take part in a test session for Pirelli's 2022 tyre prototypes. Both Ricciardo and Norris drove a mule car based on the MCL35M during the test, which focused on the soft compound tyres.{{Cite web|last=Coch|first=Mat|date=5 August 2021|title=Pirelli wraps up 2022 F1 slick tyre testing|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2021/08/05/pirelli-wraps-up-2022-slick-tyre-testing/|url-status=live|access-date=15 December 2021|website=Speedcafe.com|publisher=Speedcafe|language=en-US|archive-date=15 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215041214/https://www.speedcafe.com/2021/08/05/pirelli-wraps-up-2022-slick-tyre-testing/}}

New brake ducts were introduced to the MCL35M at the Belgian Grand Prix.{{Cite web|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=27 August 2021|title=McLaren reveals new F1 'Performance Centre' at Spa|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-reveals-new-f1-performance-centre-at-spa/6654251/|url-status=live|access-date=27 August 2021|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=27 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827094905/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-reveals-new-f1-performance-centre-at-spa/6654251/}} The car performed well in a wet qualifying session, with Ricciardo qualifying for the race fourth, his best with the team. Norris set the fastest times in Q1 and Q2, but lost control of his car at Eau Rouge and crashed heavily, ending his qualifying session and damaging his gearbox. After penalties for Bottas from the previous race and for Norris's gearbox change were applied, he started the race fifteenth.{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Luke|date=29 August 2021|title=Norris takes five-place grid penalty at Spa after gearbox change|url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-takes-five-place-grid-penalty-at-spa-after-gearbox-change/6656330/|url-status=live|access-date=29 August 2021|website=Motorsport.com Australia|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829100440/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-takes-five-place-grid-penalty-at-spa-after-gearbox-change/6656330/}} Heavy rain prevented the race from starting, with three laps completed under safety car conditions before the Grand Prix was abandoned and results drawn from the end of the first lap. Thus, Ricciardo was classified fourth and Norris fourteenth. Half points were awarded, allowing McLaren to take third place from Ferrari.

Ricciardo qualified tenth for the Dutch Grand Prix, while Norris was eliminated in Q2 after missing his final qualifying attempt due to red flags, the first time he failed to make Q3 in 2021. He started the race thirteenth.{{Cite web|last=Morlidge|first=Max|date=4 September 2021|title=Max Verstappen just holds off Lewis Hamilton in qualifying for superb home pole|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12398983/dutch-gp-max-verstappen-just-holds-off-lewis-hamilton-in-qualifying-for-superb-home-pole|url-status=live|access-date=5 September 2021|website=Sky Sports F1|publisher=Sky Group Limited|language=en|archive-date=4 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904182522/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12398983/dutch-gp-max-verstappen-just-holds-off-lewis-hamilton-in-qualifying-for-superb-home-pole}} Ricciardo's car suffered a clutch malfunction at the start, costing him places on the first lap.{{Cite web|last=Cooper|first=Adam|date=8 September 2021|title=Ricciardo explains what happened with Zandvoort start drama|url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-explains-what-happened-with-zandvoort-start-drama/6662786/|url-status=live|access-date=9 September 2021|website=Motorsport.com Australia|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=8 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908214714/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-explains-what-happened-with-zandvoort-start-drama/6662786/}} Both drivers struggled for pace, with Norris finishing tenth and Ricciardo eleventh. Norris fell from third to fourth and Ricciardo from eighth to ninth in the WDC, and the team again lost third place to Ferrari in the WCC.{{Cite web|date=6 September 2021|title=McLaren drivers happy to put 'abnormal' Dutch GP weekend behind them after losing P3 to Ferrari|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mclaren-drivers-happy-to-put-abnormal-dutch-gp-behind-them-after-losing-p3.1dAaFbSiSRHfGrEf4GqjKY.html|url-status=live|access-date=7 September 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en|archive-date=7 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907093058/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mclaren-drivers-happy-to-put-abnormal-dutch-gp-behind-them-after-losing-p3.1dAaFbSiSRHfGrEf4GqjKY.html}}

The MCL35M featured a low downforce set up for the Italian Grand Prix, with modified front and rear wings.{{Cite web|last1=Somerfield|first1=Matt|last2=Piola|first2=Giorgio|date=14 September 2021|title=The Monza F1 set-up choice that helped deliver McLaren's win|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/monza-setup-choice-mclaren-win-tech/6667482/|url-status=live|access-date=15 September 2021|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=14 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914190027/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/monza-setup-choice-mclaren-win-tech/6667482/}} Norris qualified fourth and Ricciardo fifth for the second sprint of the season.{{Cite web|date=10 September 2021|title=Bottas beats Hamilton at Monza to claim top grid slot for F1 Sprint|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.bottas-beats-hamilton-in-monza-qualifying-to-claim-top-grid-slot-for-f1.6ZFOl3sKovQcCFiYjQkIWe.html|url-status=live|access-date=12 September 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en|archive-date=11 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210911172933/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.bottas-beats-hamilton-in-monza-qualifying-to-claim-top-grid-slot-for-f1.6ZFOl3sKovQcCFiYjQkIWe.html}} During sprint qualifying, Ricciardo moved up to third, and both drivers were promoted a place after provisional polesitter Bottas took an engine penalty.{{Cite web|last=Kalinauckas|first=Alex|date=11 September 2021|title=F1 Italian GP sprint race: Bottas wins as Verstappen grabs pole, Hamilton fifth|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/italian-gp-sprint-qualifying-race-report/6665209/|url-access=limited|url-status=live|access-date=12 September 2021|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=11 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210911195352/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/italian-gp-sprint-qualifying-race-report/6665209/}} During the race, Ricciardo overtook Verstappen into the first corner, while Norris defended from Hamilton behind. After the first round of pit stops, Verstappen and Hamilton collided, leaving the McLarens free to challenge for the win.{{Cite web|last=Kalinauckas|first=Alex|date=12 September 2021|title=Ricciardo gives McLaren first F1 win since 2012|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/italian-gp-race-report-ricciardo-norris-6666357/6666357/|url-status=live|access-date=12 September 2021|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=12 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912143439/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/italian-gp-race-report-ricciardo-norris-6666357/6666357/}} Norris was instructed in the closing stages not to challenge Ricciardo's position.{{harvnb|Youson|Pruett|2022|p=165}} Ricciardo set the fastest lap on the final lap, leading Norris to the finish to claim McLaren's first one-two finish since the 2010 Canadian Grand Prix and first win since the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix.{{Cite web|date=12 September 2021|title=Ricciardo leads stunning McLaren 1–2 at Monza after Verstappen and Hamilton collide again|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.ricciardo-leads-stunning-mclaren-1-2-at-monza-after-verstappen-and-hamilton.2BH4g9dpznux3HTK3SXj9B.html|url-status=live|access-date=12 September 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en|archive-date=12 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912145723/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.ricciardo-leads-stunning-mclaren-1-2-at-monza-after-verstappen-and-hamilton.2BH4g9dpznux3HTK3SXj9B.html}} Ricciardo regained eighth in the WDC, while McLaren reclaimed third place in the WCC.{{Cite web|last=McDonagh|first=Connor|date=12 September 2021|title=F1 World Championship points standings after the 2021 Italian GP|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/results/987474/1/f1-world-championship-points-standings-after-2021-italian-gp|url-status=live|access-date=12 September 2021|website=Crash|publisher=Crash Media Group|language=en|archive-date=12 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912145340/https://www.crash.net/f1/results/987474/1/f1-world-championship-points-standings-after-2021-italian-gp}} The MCL35M was the only car to achieve a 1–2 finish in the 2021 season.{{Cite web|date=11 January 2022|title=How much did forgotten F1 restriction hurt McLaren?|url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/video-how-much-did-forgotten-f1-restriction-hurt-mclaren/|url-status=live|access-date=14 January 2022|website=The Race|language=en-GB|archive-date=14 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114082624/https://the-race.com/formula-1/video-how-much-did-forgotten-f1-restriction-hurt-mclaren/}}

File:Starting grid on 2021 Russian Grand Prix 03.jpg

Ricciardo suffered a power unit malfunction during practice for the Russian Grand Prix which necessitated a change to an older engine.{{Cite web|date=24 September 2021|title=Ricciardo confident McLaren can fix FP2 power unit fault as he laments 'messy' Friday in Sochi|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.ricciardo-confident-mclaren-can-fix-fp2-power-unit-fault-as-he-laments-messy.nHw3qCPyrfRDGOVmCkJft.html|url-status=live|access-date=26 September 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en|archive-date=26 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926045809/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.ricciardo-confident-mclaren-can-fix-fp2-power-unit-fault-as-he-laments-messy.nHw3qCPyrfRDGOVmCkJft.html}} The car was run with a high downforce aerodynamic kit.{{Cite web|last1=Hughes|first1=Mark|last2=Piola|first2=Giorgio|date=28 September 2021|title=The wildly different ways teams tackled Sochi's set-up conundrum|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.tech-tuesday-the-wildly-different-ways-teams-tackled-sochis-set-up-conundrum.ssChkXEjCKSXMFqjz3Wpr.html|url-status=live|access-date=29 September 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en|archive-date=29 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929022942/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.tech-tuesday-the-wildly-different-ways-teams-tackled-sochis-set-up-conundrum.ssChkXEjCKSXMFqjz3Wpr.html}} Norris qualified on pole for the first time in his career, while Ricciardo started fifth.{{Cite web|last=Kalinauckas|first=Alex|date=25 September 2021|title=Russian GP: Norris beats Sainz to grab maiden pole; Hamilton fourth|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/russian-gp-qualifying-report-norris-sainz/6674466/|url-status=live|access-date=26 September 2021|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=26 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926002736/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/russian-gp-qualifying-report-norris-sainz/6674466/}} Although he lost first place to Sainz on the opening lap, Norris regained the lead and led the race. With nine laps to go, Hamilton unsuccessfully began to attack for first place.{{Cite web |last=Richards |first=Giles |date=26 September 2021 |title=Lewis Hamilton claims 100th F1 win as Lando Norris skids off track in Russia |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/sep/26/lewis-hamilton-claims-100th-f1-victory-with-gutsy-performance-at-russian-gp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927012057/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/sep/26/lewis-hamilton-claims-100th-f1-victory-with-gutsy-performance-at-russian-gp |archive-date=27 September 2021 |access-date=27 September 2021 |website=The Guardian |language=en |publication-place=London |issn=1756-3224 |oclc=60623878}} Although the race had been dry up to this point, it began to rain lightly with six laps remaining. With four laps left, McLaren recommended Norris switch from hard slicks to intermediate rain tyres, which Norris refused, a decision he later said "was right at the time for the conditions at the time" but ultimately "cost us everything" as he slid off track and down to seventh place by the time he pitted.{{Cite web|date=26 September 2021|title=2021 Russian Grand Prix|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2021/russian-grand-prix/2021-russian-grand-prix/|url-status=live|access-date=27 September 2021|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en|archive-date=26 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926175058/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2021/russian-grand-prix/2021-russian-grand-prix/}} Seidl, Norris, and Hamilton{{Cite web|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=26 September 2021|title=Hamilton: Norris would have been tough to beat without late rain|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-norris-would-have-been-tough-to-beat-without-late-rain/6675279/|url-status=live|access-date=27 September 2021|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=26 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926182008/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/hamilton-norris-would-have-been-tough-to-beat-without-late-rain/6675279/}} all said the result was ultimately not a reflection of the MCL35M's pace and potential at the track, and Norris set the fastest lap of the race.{{Cite web|last=Tremayne|first=David|author-link=David Tremayne|date=30 September 2021|title=Why Norris should take heart from former champs Hunt, Mansell and Hill after his Sochi woe|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.tremayne-why-norris-should-take-heart-from-former-champs-hunt-mansell-and.6H3XNLZijtREwco5ISOYx6.html|url-status=live|access-date=1 October 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en|archive-date=30 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930155405/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.tremayne-why-norris-should-take-heart-from-former-champs-hunt-mansell-and.6H3XNLZijtREwco5ISOYx6.html}} Ricciardo, however, switched to intermediates earlier and finished fourth.{{Cite news |last=Sullivan |first=Matthew |date=26 September 2021 |title='Heartbreak': Huge blunder robs Lando Norris of first F1 victory |work=news.com.au |publisher=News Corp Australia |url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/motorsport/formula-one/russian-f1-grand-prix-live-daniel-ricciardo-aiming-for-another-race-win/news-story/cc1fba1465abd0b920d921e4a307d679 |url-status=live |access-date=27 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926211910/https://www.news.com.au/sport/motorsport/formula-one/russian-f1-grand-prix-live-daniel-ricciardo-aiming-for-another-race-win/news-story/cc1fba1465abd0b920d921e4a307d679 |archive-date=26 September 2021}}

McLaren used a high-downforce package and a double T-wing for the Turkish Grand Prix,{{Cite web|last1=Piola|first1=Giorgio|last2=Somerfield|first2=Matthew|date=8 October 2021|title=Turkish GP: Latest F1 technical developments direct from pit lane|url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/turkish-gp-f1-technical-photos/6682829/|url-status=live|access-date=9 October 2021|website=Motorsport.com Australia|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=9 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009132147/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/turkish-gp-f1-technical-photos/6682829/}} for which Norris qualified eighth and Ricciardo sixteenth. Both were promoted a place on the grid by engine penalties for other drivers, but Norris said the MCL35M was "not easy to drive" at the circuit while Ricciardo said he was not "on top of it today".{{Cite web|date=9 October 2021|title=Ricciardo says he needed a 'magic wand' to avoid Q1 exit as he aims to 'put on a show' from P16 in Turkey|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.ricciardo-says-he-needed-a-magic-wand-to-avoid-q1-exit-as-he-aims-to-put-on.5GvES3CiS9ZnDDyvkWgG9P.html|url-status=live|access-date=10 October 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en|archive-date=9 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009181852/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.ricciardo-says-he-needed-a-magic-wand-to-avoid-q1-exit-as-he-aims-to-put-on.5GvES3CiS9ZnDDyvkWgG9P.html}} McLaren decided to replace several engine components on Ricciardo's car, triggering the team's first component penalty of the season and sending him to the back of the grid.{{Cite web|last1=Noble|first1=Jonathan|last2=Cooper|first2=Adam|date=10 October 2021|title=Ricciardo to take Turkish GP grid drop after F1 engine change|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-to-take-turkish-gp-grid-drop-after-f1-engine-change/6684316/|url-access=limited|url-status=live|access-date=10 October 2021|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=20 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020081938/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-to-take-turkish-gp-grid-drop-after-f1-engine-change/6684316/}} Norris finished seventh and Ricciardo thirteenth.{{Cite web|date=11 October 2021|title=Sochi hero Norris says P7 finish in Turkey 'the best McLaren could do'|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sochi-hero-norris-says-p7-finish-in-turkey-the-best-mclaren-could-do.5kyIEPjwtZnAbNz4PyHgYZ.html|url-status=live|access-date=13 October 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en|archive-date=12 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012070621/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sochi-hero-norris-says-p7-finish-in-turkey-the-best-mclaren-could-do.5kyIEPjwtZnAbNz4PyHgYZ.html}}

File:2021 United States Grand Prix 02 (cropped).jpg

Ricciardo qualified seventh and Norris eighth for the United States Grand Prix, with both being promoted a place due to another engine penalty for Bottas.{{Cite web|last=Bradley|first=Charles|date=24 October 2021|title=F1 Grand Prix qualifying results: Verstappen takes US pole|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-grand-prix-qualifying-results-grid/6705006/|url-status=live|access-date=24 October 2021|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=23 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023235815/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-grand-prix-qualifying-results-grid/6705006/}} Both drivers said they were surprised to be out-qualified by the two Ferrari drivers.{{Cite web|date=24 October 2021|title=McLaren pair surprised to be behind Ferraris in Austin, but looking forward to being 'hunters' on Sunday|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mclaren-pair-surprised-to-be-behind-ferraris-in-austin-but-looking-forward.5LGwGvWzTk2Y0OTFeFIOUM.html|url-status=live|access-date=24 October 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en|archive-date=24 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024013313/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mclaren-pair-surprised-to-be-behind-ferraris-in-austin-but-looking-forward.5LGwGvWzTk2Y0OTFeFIOUM.html}} Ricciardo finished the race fifth, and said he was satisfied given the superior pace of the Ferraris.{{Cite web|last=Lynch|first=Michael|date=25 October 2021|title=Verstappen wins US Grand Prix, Ricciardo strong in fifth|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/motorsport/verstappen-wins-us-grand-prix-ricciardo-strong-in-fifth-20211025-p592rv.html|url-status=live|access-date=27 October 2021|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Nine Entertainment|language=en|archive-date=27 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027042217/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/motorsport/verstappen-wins-us-grand-prix-ricciardo-strong-in-fifth-20211025-p592rv.html}} Norris finished eighth and called his performance "disappointing",{{Cite web|last=McDonagh|first=Connor|date=26 October 2021|title=Norris was "so scared" during three-wide battle in F1 US GP|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/990592/1/norris-was-so-scared-during-threewide-battle-f1-us-gp|url-status=live|access-date=27 October 2021|website=Crash|publisher=Crash Media Group|language=en|archive-date=27 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027042228/https://www.crash.net/f1/news/990592/1/norris-was-so-scared-during-threewide-battle-f1-us-gp}} losing fourth place in the WDC.{{Cite web|last=McDonagh|first=Connor|date=24 October 2021|title=F1 World Championship points standings after the 2021 United States GP|url=https://www.crash.net/f1/results/990556/1/f1-world-championship-points-standings-after-2021-united-states-gp|url-status=live|access-date=27 October 2021|website=Crash|publisher=Crash Media Group|language=en|archive-date=27 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027042217/https://www.crash.net/f1/results/990556/1/f1-world-championship-points-standings-after-2021-united-states-gp}}

The car was fit with a high-downforce rear wing and T-wing for the Mexico City Grand Prix.{{Cite web|last1=Piola|first1=Giorgio|last2=Somerfield|first2=Matthew|date=5 November 2021|title=Mexican GP: The latest F1 technical images on display|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-mexican-gp-technical-images/6747934/|url-status=live|access-date=6 November 2021|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=6 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106011400/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-mexican-gp-technical-images/6747934/}} Ricciardo's running in practice was limited by a gearbox issue.{{Cite web|date=6 November 2021|title=Ricciardo and Russell explain issues that saw them miss most of second practice in Mexico|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.ricciardo-and-russell-explain-issues-that-saw-them-miss-most-of-second.6gBrsQ0v13CVQOpJ3QrtY0.html|url-status=live|access-date=6 November 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en|archive-date=6 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106000117/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.ricciardo-and-russell-explain-issues-that-saw-them-miss-most-of-second.6gBrsQ0v13CVQOpJ3QrtY0.html}} Ricciardo qualified seventh, with McLaren using Norris to provide a tow since his car was fitted with multiple new power unit elements requiring Norris to start from the back of the grid.{{Cite web|last=Morlidge|first=Matt|date=7 November 2021|title=Mexico City GP qualifying: Valtteri Bottas on pole from Lewis Hamilton as Mercedes stun Red Bull and Max Verstappen|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/32017/12462328/mexico-city-gp-qualifying-valtteri-bottas-on-pole-from-lewis-hamilton-as-mercedes-stun-red-bull-and-max-verstappen|url-status=live|access-date=7 November 2021|website=Sky Sports F1|publisher=Sky Group Limited|language=en|archive-date=6 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106234341/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/32017/12462328/mexico-city-gp-qualifying-valtteri-bottas-on-pole-from-lewis-hamilton-as-mercedes-stun-red-bull-and-max-verstappen}} As a result, Norris started eighteenth.{{Cite web|last1=Ennser|first1=Gerd|last2=Norbury|first2=Richard|last3=Sullivan|first3=Danny|author-link3=Danny Sullivan|last4=Van Beuren|first4=Freddy|date=6 November 2021|title=2021 Mexican Grand Prix – Provisional Starting Grid|url=https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2021%20Mexican%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Provisional%20Starting%20Grid.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=7 November 2021|website=FIA.com|publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107010328/https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2021%20Mexican%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Provisional%20Starting%20Grid.pdf}} Ricciardo had a strong start and ran alongside polesitter Bottas into turn one, but the two collided and dropped to the back of the field.{{Cite web|date=8 November 2021|title=Wolff wanted Ricciardo penalty for Bottas clash|url=https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/32578829/toto-wolff-wanted-daniel-ricciardo-penalty-valtteri-bottas-clash|url-status=live|access-date=8 November 2021|website=ESPN.com|publisher=ESPN Inc.|language=en|archive-date=8 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108001607/https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/32578829/toto-wolff-wanted-daniel-ricciardo-penalty-valtteri-bottas-clash}} Ricciardo finished twelfth after managing damage on his MCL35M, and Norris made up positions to finish tenth.{{Cite web|date=7 November 2021|title=2021 Mexico City Grand Prix|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2021/mexican-grand-prix/2021-mexico-city-grand-prix/|url-status=live|access-date=8 November 2021|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en|archive-date=8 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108001622/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2021/mexican-grand-prix/2021-mexico-city-grand-prix/}} McLaren lost third place in the WCC to Ferrari.{{Cite web|date=8 November 2021|title=Ferrari overtake McLaren in the battle for third|url=https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/32580202/ferrari-overtake-mclaren-battle-third|url-status=live|access-date=8 November 2021|website=ESPN.com|publisher=ESPN Inc.|language=en|archive-date=8 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108031627/https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/32580202/ferrari-overtake-mclaren-battle-third}}

Norris and Ricciardo qualified eighth and ninth respectively for the third and final sprint race of the season at the São Paulo Grand Prix, but were both promoted a place by Hamilton's disqualification.{{Cite web|last=Bradley|first=Charles|date=14 November 2021|title=Hamilton takes sprint pole in Brazil|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-grand-prix-qualifying-results-hamilton-takes-sprint-pole-in-brazil/6774744/|url-access=limited|url-status=live|access-date=15 November 2021|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=15 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115052937/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-grand-prix-qualifying-results-hamilton-takes-sprint-pole-in-brazil/6774744/}} Norris improved to sixth, while Ricciardo fell to eleventh.{{Cite web|last=Bradley|first=Charles|date=14 November 2021|title=Bottas wins for Brazilian GP pole|url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-grand-prix-sprint-results-wins-for-brazilian-gp-pole/6778404/|url-status=live|access-date=15 November 2021|website=Motorsport.com Australia|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=15 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115052937/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-grand-prix-sprint-results-wins-for-brazilian-gp-pole/6778404/}} Norris was promoted a place on the grid due to a power unit penalty for Hamilton.{{Cite web|date=14 November 2021|title=2021 São Paulo Grand Prix|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2021/brazilian-grand-prix/2021-sao-paulo-grand-prix/|url-status=live|access-date=15 November 2021|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en|archive-date=14 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211114225726/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2021/brazilian-grand-prix/2021-sao-paulo-grand-prix/}} At the race start, Norris made contact with Sainz and suffered a tyre puncture that dropped him to last place.{{Cite web|date=14 November 2021|title=Ferrari pull clear of P3 rivals McLaren, as Sainz and Norris tangle in Brazil|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.ferrari-pull-clear-of-p3-rivals-mclaren-as-sainz-and-norris-tangle-in-brazil.4knw9dffC2bkrXWE0e34XJ.html|url-status=live|access-date=15 November 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en|archive-date=14 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211114230807/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.ferrari-pull-clear-of-p3-rivals-mclaren-as-sainz-and-norris-tangle-in-brazil.4knw9dffC2bkrXWE0e34XJ.html}} He finished tenth, while Ricciardo retired due to a power unit failure.

For the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix, Norris qualified sixth (and was promoted to fourth after grid penalties were applied) and Ricciardo qualified fourteenth.{{Cite web|last1=Connelly|first1=Garry|last2=Mayer|first2=Tim|author-link2=Tim Mayer|last3=Pirro|first3=Emanuele|author-link3=Emanuele Pirro|last4=Al Hamad|first4=Amro|date=21 November 2021|title=2021 Qatar Grand Prix – Final Starting Grid|url=https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2021%20Qatar%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Final%20Starting%20Grid.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=28 November 2021|website=FIA.com|publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|page=2|archive-date=21 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121131925/https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2021%20Qatar%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Final%20Starting%20Grid.pdf}} During the race, Norris ran in fourth until he suffered a tyre puncture, and finished ninth.{{Cite web|last1=Smith|first1=Luke|last2=Cooper|first2=Adam|date=22 November 2021|title=Norris had no warning before "dangerous" Qatar F1 tyre failure|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-had-no-warning-before-dangerous-qatar-f1-tyre-failure/6806610/|url-status=live|access-date=28 November 2021|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=28 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128063040/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-had-no-warning-before-dangerous-qatar-f1-tyre-failure/6806610/}} Ricciardo finished twelfth while suffering from a system error affecting fuel usage on his MCL35M.{{Cite web|last=Cooper|first=Adam|date=22 November 2021|title=Ricciardo's Qatar GP compromised by extreme F1 fuel saving|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardos-qatar-gp-compromised-by-extreme-f1-fuel-saving/6808852/|url-status=live|access-date=28 November 2021|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=28 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128063045/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardos-qatar-gp-compromised-by-extreme-f1-fuel-saving/6808852/}} Seidl said that the triple-header of Mexico, São Paulo, and Qatar had been disappointing given the team believed the car remained competitive with Ferrari's SF21.{{Cite web|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=24 November 2021|title=McLaren: F1 triple-header points haul "painful"|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mclaren-f1-triple-header-points-haul-painful/6812068/|url-access=limited|url-status=live|access-date=28 November 2021|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=27 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211127224819/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mclaren-f1-triple-header-points-haul-painful/6812068/}}

Norris qualified seventh and Ricciardo eleventh for the first Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, with the latter suffering floor damage. Seidl said that the team was underperforming relative to expectations because corners at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit were primarily medium-speed rather than high-speed as had been predicted.{{Cite web|last=Cooper|first=Adam|date=5 December 2021|title=McLaren: Lack of proper corners hurt us at Saudi F1 track|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mclaren-lack-of-proper-corners-hurt-us-in-jeddah-f1/6852702/|url-access=limited|url-status=live|access-date=8 December 2021|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=8 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208024458/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mclaren-lack-of-proper-corners-hurt-us-in-jeddah-f1/6852702/}} During the race, Norris pitted before the first red flag and therefore lost positions to all drivers who had not yet pitted by the restart. He restarted in fourteenth and finished tenth. Ricciardo was in the opposite situation and finished fifth.{{Cite web|date=6 December 2021|title=Ricciardo delighted with first points since Austin, as McLaren team mate Norris rues double dose of bad luck in Jeddah|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.ricciardo-delighted-with-first-points-since-austin-as-mclaren-team-mate.1qRXZsn9PuSGCUfqsLmK4J.html|url-status=live|access-date=8 December 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en|archive-date=8 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208024502/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.ricciardo-delighted-with-first-points-since-austin-as-mclaren-team-mate.1qRXZsn9PuSGCUfqsLmK4J.html}} Norris lost fifth place in the WDC and fell to sixth.

The MCL35M featured a one-off Vuse livery for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (see {{Section link||Liveries}}). Norris qualified third for the race and Ricciardo qualified tenth.{{Cite web|last=Bradley|first=Charles|date=12 December 2021|title=Verstappen takes Abu Dhabi pole|url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-grand-prix-qualifying-results-abu-dhabi/6874232/|url-status=live|access-date=13 December 2021|website=Motorsport.com Australia|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=13 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213085921/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-grand-prix-qualifying-results-abu-dhabi/6874232/}} Norris had a poor start and lost two positions, maintaining fifth place until he suffered a slow puncture and gearbox issues; he finished seventh.{{Cite web|last=Bradley|first=Charles|date=12 December 2021|title=Verstappen wins Abu Dhabi GP, claims title|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-grand-prix-race-results-verstappen-wins-abu-dhabi-gp-claims-title/6878130/|url-status=live|access-date=13 December 2021|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=12 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212162537/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-grand-prix-race-results-verstappen-wins-abu-dhabi-gp-claims-title/6878130/}} Ricciardo finished twelfth, losing positions under the virtual safety car.{{Cite web|date=12 December 2021|title=2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2021/abu-dhabi-grand-prix/2021-abu-dhabi-grand-prix/|url-status=live|access-date=13 December 2021|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en|archive-date=12 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212184930/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2021/abu-dhabi-grand-prix/2021-abu-dhabi-grand-prix/}} Norris finished sixth in the WDC and Ricciardo eighth, and McLaren finished fourth in the WCC. With a new generation of cars being introduced in 2022, the race was the final entry for the MCL35M.{{Cite web|last1=Connelly|first1=Garry|last2=Holter|first2=Felix|last3=Warwick|first3=Derek|author-link3=Derek Warwick|last4=Al Hashmi|first4=Mohamed|date=13 December 2021|title=2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Championship Points|url=https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2021%20Abu%20Dhabi%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Championship%20Points.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211212203709/https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/decision-document/2021%20Abu%20Dhabi%20Grand%20Prix%20-%20Championship%20Points.pdf|archive-date=12 December 2021|access-date=13 December 2021|website=FIA.com|publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|pages=2, 4}}

McLaren participated in the post-season Pirelli test after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit. Unlike the in-season test, the tyres used were the final compounds. Ricciardo and Norris drove mule cars based on the MCL35M to test the 2022 compounds.{{Cite web|last=Somerfield|first=Matthew|date=15 December 2021|title=The technology on show in Abu Dhabi F1 testing ahead of new-look 2022|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/test-f1-testing-photos-2022/6885090/|url-status=live|access-date=16 December 2021|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=15 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215221635/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/test-f1-testing-photos-2022/6885090/}} Pato O'Ward, an Arrow McLaren SP driver in the IndyCar series, tested the regular MCL35M.{{Cite web|date=14 December 2021|title=Abu Dhabi test: Day 1|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2021/abu-dhabi-grand-prix/abu-dhabi-test-day-1/|url-status=live|access-date=15 December 2021|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en|archive-date=15 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215041219/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2021/abu-dhabi-grand-prix/abu-dhabi-test-day-1/}}{{Cite web|date=15 December 2021|title=Abu Dhabi test: Day 2|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2021/abu-dhabi-grand-prix/abu-dhabi-test-day-2/|url-status=live|access-date=15 December 2021|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en|archive-date=15 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215150551/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2021/abu-dhabi-grand-prix/abu-dhabi-test-day-2/}}

Like the MCL35, the MCL35M was termed an "all-rounder" early in the season, and was closer to the cars of Mercedes and Red Bull than its predecessors.{{Cite web|last=Hall|first=Sam|date=4 May 2021|title=McLaren boosted by "all-rounder" that is "closer" to Mercedes and Red Bull|url=https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/64494/mclaren-boosted-by-all-rounder-that-is-closer-to-mercedes-and-red-bull/|url-status=live|access-date=13 December 2021|website=GPfans|language=en|archive-date=13 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213094441/https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/64494/mclaren-boosted-by-all-rounder-that-is-closer-to-mercedes-and-red-bull/}}

Ricciardo's struggles with the car were attributed to the "strange" level of overlap in the braking and cornering phases, particularly in slow corners. As such, the MCL35M tended to perform better in high-speed corners, but struggled with low-speed cornering.{{Cite web|last=Hughes|first=Mark|author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist)|date=28 May 2021|editor-last=Dunn|editor-first=Joe|title=Why Daniel Ricciardo must retrain his brain to get the best from McLaren|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/why-daniel-ricciardo-must-retrain-his-brain-to-get-the-best-from-mclaren-mph|url-access=limited|url-status=live|access-date=13 December 2021|website=Motor Sport|publisher=Motor Sport Magazine Limited|location=London|language=en-GB|issn=0027-2019|archive-date=13 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213094441/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/why-daniel-ricciardo-must-retrain-his-brain-to-get-the-best-from-mclaren-mph}} McLaren themselves called the car's mid-corner performance "its Achilles' heel".{{harvnb|Youson|Pruett|2022|p=160}} The car had good straight line speed and effective power deployment, and Sainz (who drove for Ferrari in 2021) called it one of the most difficult cars to overtake.{{Cite web|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=24 July 2021|title=Sainz: McLaren one of the most difficult F1 cars to overtake|url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-mclaren-difficult-car-to-overtake/6634586/|url-status=live|access-date=13 December 2021|website=Motorsport.com Australia|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=13 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213094426/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-mclaren-difficult-car-to-overtake/6634586/}} Conversely, the car's main competitor, the Ferrari SF21, excelled at cornering, especially at low speeds.{{Cite web|date=17 June 2021|title=Norris targets qualifying improvement and pinpoints Ferrari's strength as P3 battle hots up|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-targets-qualifying-improvement-and-pinpoints-ferraris-strength-as-p3.4TjwmmiK1GiGym1HJgEKWk.html|url-status=live|access-date=13 December 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en|archive-date=13 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213094425/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-targets-qualifying-improvement-and-pinpoints-ferraris-strength-as-p3.4TjwmmiK1GiGym1HJgEKWk.html}}

The original specification MCL35 was displayed at the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed.{{Cite web |date=2022-06-18 |title=Goodwood Festival of Speed 2022 Entry List |url=https://www.goodwood.com/globalassets/.road--racing/event-coverage/fos/2022/6-june/entry-list/public-entry-list-18.6.pdf |access-date=2023-07-20 |website=Goodwood Festival of Speed |page=7 |archive-date=2024-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302035159/https://www.goodwood.com/globalassets/.road--racing/event-coverage/fos/2022/6-june/entry-list/public-entry-list-18.6.pdf |url-status=live }} One MCL35M – that driven by Ricciardo when he won the Italian Grand Prix{{Cite web |last=Gretton |first=Matt |date=2024-09-27 |title=Zak Brown tests Daniel Ricciardo's winning McLaren F1 car at Silverstone |url=https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/303806/zak-brown-drives-daniel-ricciardo-s-mclaren-f1-car-at-silverstone.html |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=GPblog.com |language=en}} – is now part of McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown's personal collection.{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Charley |date=2023-10-14 |title=Zak Brown Was Among The Drivers Testing McLaren’s F1 Car In Barcelona |url=https://www.wtf1.com/post/zak-brown-was-among-the-drivers-testing-mclarens-f1-car-in-barcelona/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014160306/https://www.wtf1.com/post/zak-brown-was-among-the-drivers-testing-mclarens-f1-car-in-barcelona/ |archive-date=2023-10-14 |access-date=2023-10-15 |website=WTF1 |language=en-US}}{{Cite twitter|number=1712892491433750627|user=McLarenF1|title=There’s a reason why @ZBrownCEO is smiling! He’s just hit the track with his MCL35M in Barcelona!|author=McLaren|author-link=McLaren|date=2023-10-14|access-date=2023-10-14|language=en-gb|location=Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya|df=dmy-all}}{{Cite tweet|number=1712889870094389546|user=ZBrownCEO|title=Taking to the track with my MCL35M! A quick shakedown in Barcelona after its rebuild, but of course a few push laps too!|first=Zak|last=Brown|author-link=Zak Brown|date=2023-10-14|access-date=2023-10-14|language=en|location=Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya|df=dmy-all}}

The MCL35M continued to be used in 2022 for private tests as part of McLaren's Testing of Previous Cars program. FIA Formula 2 Championship driver and Red Bull Junior Team member Jehan Daruvala tested the car over two days at Silverstone Circuit prior to the British Grand Prix, completing 130 laps.{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Ida |date=2022-06-20 |title=McLaren hands Red Bull junior Jehan Daruvala his F1 test debut |url=https://formulascout.com/mclaren-hands-red-bull-junior-jehan-daruvala-his-f1-test-debut/95223 |access-date=2022-06-20 |website=Formula Scout |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-06-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621134907/https://formulascout.com/mclaren-hands-red-bull-junior-jehan-daruvala-his-f1-test-debut/95223 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2022-06-24 |title=Jehan Daruvala completes successful F1 test with McLaren |url=https://www.firstpost.com/sports/jehan-daruvala-completes-successful-f1-test-with-mclaren-10833381.html |access-date=2022-06-26 |website=Firstpost |publisher=Network 18 |language=en |archive-date=2022-06-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624115841/https://www.firstpost.com/sports/jehan-daruvala-completes-successful-f1-test-with-mclaren-10833381.html |url-status=live }} A second test at Algarve International Circuit was held in July: IndyCar driver Colton Herta completed 162 laps over two days,{{Cite web |last=Malsher-Lopez |first=David |date=2022-07-13 |title=Herta feels fast enough for Formula 1 after first test |url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/herta-feels-fast-enough-for-formula-1-after-first-test/10337369/ |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=Motorsport.com Australia |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=2022-07-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220713095906/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/herta-feels-fast-enough-for-formula-1-after-first-test/10337369/ |url-status=live }} and McLaren simulator driver Will Stevens tested for one.{{Cite web |last=Cleeren |first=Filip |date=2022-07-11 |title=IndyCar star Herta gets two-day McLaren F1 test in Portimao |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/indycar-herta-mclaren-f1-test-portimao/10336436/ |access-date=2022-07-12 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=2022-07-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712022634/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/indycar-herta-mclaren-f1-test-portimao/10336436/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Suttill |first=Josh |date=2022-07-10 |title=McLaren to give Andretti IndyCar driver Herta first F1 test |url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/mclaren-to-give-andretti-indycar-driver-herta-first-f1-test/ |access-date=2022-07-12 |website=The Race |language=en-GB |archive-date=2024-06-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629033118/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mclaren-to-give-andretti-indycar-driver-herta-first-f1-test/ |url-status=live }} 2021 IndyCar Series champion Álex Palou and O'Ward tested the MCL35M at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya during September 2022, together completing a total of 267 laps.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-23 |title=MCL35M like 'a rocket ship on wheels,' says Pato |url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/inside-the-mtc/mcl35m-rocket-ship-wheels-hails-pato/ |access-date=2022-09-25 |website=McLaren Racing |publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd. |language=en |archive-date=2022-09-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925072940/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/inside-the-mtc/mcl35m-rocket-ship-wheels-hails-pato/ |url-status=live }} O'Ward and Palou again tested the car at the Red Bull Ring in October 2022,{{Cite web |date=2022-10-06 |title=McLaren anuncia testes com Pato O'Ward e Álex Palou |url=https://motorsport.uol.com.br/f1/news/f1-mclaren-anuncia-que-pato-oward-e-alex-palou-irao-realizar-novos-testes/10379950/ |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=Motorsport.com Brazil |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=pt-BR |archive-date=2022-10-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006065747/https://motorsport.uol.com.br/f1/news/f1-mclaren-anuncia-que-pato-oward-e-alex-palou-irao-realizar-novos-testes/10379950/ |url-status=live }} together completing 171 laps over two days.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-14 |title=F1 mileage helping Pato to become 'more adaptable' |url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/inside-the-mtc/f1-mileage-helping-pato-become-more-adaptable/ |access-date=2022-10-22 |website=McLaren Racing |publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd. |language=en |archive-date=2022-10-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022054706/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/inside-the-mtc/f1-mileage-helping-pato-become-more-adaptable/ |url-status=live }} In November 2022, the car was used in a private two-day test at Circuit Paul Ricard for Oscar Piastri, who McLaren signed to replace Ricciardo in {{F1|2023}}.{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Adam |date=2022-11-12 |title=Alpine agrees to early F1 contract exit for Piastri |url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/alpine-agrees-early-contract-exit-piastri/10398474/ |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=Motorsport.com Australia |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=2022-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113070323/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/alpine-agrees-early-contract-exit-piastri/10398474/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Baldwin |first=Alan |date=2022-11-12 |title=Alpine and McLaren agree a settlement on Piastri |language=en |work=Reuters |publisher=Thomson Reuters |location=London |editor-last=Russell |editor-first=Ross |url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/alpine-mclaren-agree-settlement-piastri-2022-11-12/ |access-date=2022-11-13 |archive-date=2022-11-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112220643/https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/alpine-mclaren-agree-settlement-piastri-2022-11-12/ |url-status=live }} Piastri had a second test in November at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, completing 150 laps.{{Cite web |last=Galan |first=Mario |date=2022-12-03 |title=Piastri se pone a punto en un test privado de McLaren F1 en Barcelona |url=https://es.motorsport.com/f1/news/piastri-test-privado-mclaren-barcelona-formula1/10407364/ |access-date=2022-12-04 |website=Motorsport.com Spain |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=es |archive-date=2022-12-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204024914/https://es.motorsport.com/f1/news/piastri-test-privado-mclaren-barcelona-formula1/10407364/ |url-status=live }}

In February 2023, the MCL35M was again run over two days at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for private tests with Norris and Piastri to prepare for the 2023 season.{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Gianluca |date=2023-02-01 |title=McLaren si prepara al 2023: test a Barcellona con la MCL35M |url=https://it.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-mclaren-si-prepara-al-2023-test-a-barcellona-con-la-mcl35m/10426953/ |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Motorsport.com Italy |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=it |archive-date=2023-02-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201204208/https://it.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-mclaren-si-prepara-al-2023-test-a-barcellona-con-la-mcl35m/10426953/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2023-02-02 |title=McLaren rookie Piastri ramps up 2023 prep as he hits the track in Barcelona |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mclaren-rookie-piastri-ramps-up-2023-prep-as-he-hits-the-track-in-barcelona.1cYJEHUEfdKywoZSsAgNoH.html |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=2023-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203051709/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mclaren-rookie-piastri-ramps-up-2023-prep-as-he-hits-the-track-in-barcelona.1cYJEHUEfdKywoZSsAgNoH.html |url-status=live }} Norris and Piastri again tested the car in April 2023 in a two-day private test at Imola, but the purpose of the test was not made public.{{Cite web |last=Nugnes |first=Franco |date=2023-04-07 |title=McLaren: il test di Imola utile al rilancio di Woking |url=https://it.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-mclaren-il-test-di-imola-utile-al-rilancio-di-woking/10453870/ |access-date=2023-04-10 |website=Motorsport.com Italy |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=it |archive-date=2023-04-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409225103/https://it.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-mclaren-il-test-di-imola-utile-al-rilancio-di-woking/10453870/ |url-status=live }} The car was again used for a three-day test at the Hungaroring in June 2023, driven by Piastri, Palou, and test and simulator driver Oliver Turvey.{{Cite web |last=Collantine |first=Keith |date=2023-06-08 |title=Palou takes over from Piastri in three-day McLaren test at Hungaroring |url=https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/08/palou-piastri-mclaren-f1-test-hungaroring/ |access-date=2023-06-09 |website=RaceFans |language=en-GB |archive-date=2023-06-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609025942/https://www.racefans.net/2023/06/08/palou-piastri-mclaren-f1-test-hungaroring/ |url-status=live }} Mick Schumacher, who joined the team as a reserve driver for 2023, tested the car at Algarve International Circuit in July.{{Cite web |last=Gale |first=Ewan |date=2023-07-05 |title=Schumacher completes McLaren F1 test |url=https://racingnews365.com/mick-schumacher-mclaren-f1-test |access-date=2023-07-05 |website=RacingNews365 |language=en |archive-date=2023-07-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705163014/https://racingnews365.com/mick-schumacher-mclaren-f1-test |url-status=live }} World Endurance Champion Ryō Hirakawa and O'Ward drove the car in a private test at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in October.{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Gianluca |date=2023-10-12 |title=Hirakawa in pista a Barcellona con la MCL35M |trans-title=Hirakawa on track in Barcelona with the MCL35M |url=https://it.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-mclaren-hirakawa-in-pista-a-barcellona-con-la-mcl35m/10531966/ |access-date=2023-10-12 |website=Motorsport.com Italy |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=it |archive-date=2023-10-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014114723/https://it.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-mclaren-hirakawa-in-pista-a-barcellona-con-la-mcl35m/10531966/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Gianluca |date=2023-10-12 |title=Pato O'Ward prueba en Barcelona con el McLaren MCL35M de F1 |trans-title=Pato O'Ward tests in Barcelona with the McLaren MCL35M |url=https://lat.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-pato-oward-prueba-barcelona-mclaren-mcl35m-2023/10532049/ |access-date=2023-10-13 |website=Motorsport.com Latin America |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=es |archive-date=2023-10-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014114723/https://lat.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-pato-oward-prueba-barcelona-mclaren-mcl35m-2023/10532049/ |url-status=live }} At the same test, Brown drove his own MCL35M.

McLaren ran a multi-day test at Silverstone in September 2024 in which Brown drove his MCL35M and O'Ward drove an MCL36.{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Sam |date=2024-09-27 |title=Surprise name drives alongside Pato O'Ward in latest McLaren F1 test |url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/mclaren-test-zak-brown-silverstone-pato-oward-f1 |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=PlanetF1 |language=en}}

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;Note

• ‡ – Half points were awarded at the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix as less than 75% of the scheduled distance was completed due to heavy rain.

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

• {{Cite book|last=Youson|first=Matt|title=McLaren Racing 2020 Yearbook|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|year=2021|editor-last=Robinson|editor-first=Stuart|editor-last2=Holmes|editor-first2=Robert|location=Woking, United Kingdom}}
• {{Cite book|last1=Youson|first1=Matt|title=McLaren Racing 2021 Yearbook|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|year=2022|editor-last=Bean|editor-first=Connor|editor-last2=Holmes|editor-first2=Robert|location=Woking, United Kingdom|last2=Pruett|first2=Marshall}}

{{Portal|Formula One}}

• {{Commons-inline|links=the McLaren MCL35 and McLaren MCL35M}}
• [https://www.mclaren.com/racing/ McLaren Racing official website]

{{F1 cars 2020}}

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MP4-35

McLaren MCL35

McLaren MCL35M