McLaren team boss Andreas Seidl feels that the battle to finish fourth in the constructors' standings won't have any implications on the development plan in 2020.
With seven races remaining, McLaren sits 18 points ahead of Renault, who have reduced the gap between the two teams by 25 points in two race weekends.
"We intend to introduce small things all the time, at least for the next two or three races," Seidl said.
"At the same time, we have to see when we will switch to the car for next year. That is not certain yet.
"Of course we want to fight for fourth place as long as possible, but it is more important for me to take the next step with the car for 2020, so I don't want to ruin that by suddenly putting the focus completely on this season again.
"We will soon have a plan for what we want to do this year and a plan for how we will tackle it next year. "
McLaren ended up in sixth place in the standings last season and it would show a real sign of progress if they are to hold onto the fourth position in the final seven races of the season.