Lando Norris predicts McLaren will build best car in 2026 fightback
Reigning Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris believes McLaren will develop the best car on the grid this season despite a challenging start to his title defence.
The British driver suffered a Did Not Start in China due to an electrical failure and finished fifth at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
Those results leave him 36 points adrift of early championship leader George Russell ahead of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.
McLaren target podium return
The Woking-based team are already facing a significant constructors’ deficit, sitting 80 points behind early leaders Mercedes.
Despite the initial setback in the new 2026 regulation era, the 26-year-old remains highly optimistic about their development pipeline.
He pointed to his team’s impressive mid-season turnaround in 2024 as definitive proof of their recovery capabilities.
“I can’t remember how many points we were behind in 2024 from Mercedes and Red Bull, Ferrari, but I think we were over 150 points or something behind and we still managed to come back and win the Constructors’,” Norris said.
Patience required in development race
“What we are thinking of is getting on the podium first of all, and then just returning to winning races,” he added.
“The points then take care of themselves and we’ll see what we can claw back.”
While the exact cause of the recent power unit failure remains undisclosed, engine supplier Mercedes have reportedly identified and resolved the issue to prevent any recurrence.
McLaren have established a formidable reputation in recent years for delivering effective mid-season upgrades without compromising reliability.
Focusing on the bigger picture
The sweeping 2026 aerodynamic and engine regulation changes have reshuffled the competitive order, temporarily leaving the defending champions playing catch-up.
Teammate Oscar Piastri shares the internal optimism as the garage prepares for crucial practice sessions at Suzuka.
“I want to say I think we’re confident as a team and we believe in ourselves that we’ve won the last two championships,” Norris explained.
“The real question you probably ask is would I rather be here and have won last year, or would I rather have a slightly better car now and not have won last year, and I think you know what my answer would be.”
