McLaren installed a new rear wing and rear brake duct at the Belgian Grand Prix, as well as using a new bargeboard. During free practice, the team tested a new floor and diffuser compliant with regulations (less aerodynamic parts and slimmer compared to the 2020 regulations). Sainz qualified seventh and Norris tenth. After qualifying, Sainz expressed concern at the possibility of a wet race, stating that the car was set up for lower downforce and that McLaren would be "in trouble" should it rain during the Grand Prix. Sainz would not start the race after an issue with his Renault power unit failed and "destroyed the right exhaust bank" before the race, resulting in the first non-finish for McLaren in 2020. Norris climbed three places to finish seventh, 1.062 seconds behind Albon in sixth. The result meant that Norris overtook Lance Stroll in the Driver's Championship for sixth, while Sainz fell to eleventh in the standings. McLaren recovered third place from Racing Point.