1 March 2026Racingnews365Race reportDriver Ratings
Norris urges McLaren to rally for 2026 title defence
After a solid pre‑season test, Lando Norris says McLaren must make big car upgrades to contend for the 2026 championship, but his confidence from last year’s title win fuels optimism.
Lando Norris, 2025 champion, warned McLaren’s current car isn’t ready for title defence after a promising but unremarkable pre‑season test. He said major development is needed to challenge Red Bull and Mercedes, but his confidence from last year’s win stays high.
Why it matters:
- Norris is the defending champion, and his performance matters for the title race.
- McLaren’s pace will shape the midfield and could shift the early‑season order.
- Upgrades could close the gap to Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari, affecting constructors’ points.
The details:
- “We must improve the car significantly to feel confident for race one,” Norris told RacingNews365.
- He dismissed any “responsibility” to repeat his title, calling it “just life” and pledging to do his best.
- Pre‑season testing showed progress but the car still lagged behind front‑row rivals.
- Winning the 2025 title gave Norris “more confidence than I’ve ever had,” boosting optimism for 2026.
What’s next:
- McLaren plans a major aero upgrade before the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
- New power‑unit mapping and chassis tweaks are set for the first half of the season.
- Norris wants to convert his confidence into points, targeting a top‑five finish for both drivers and constructors.