Why McLaren thinks Norris is even better now than his F1 title-winning year

Just over a month ago, it seemed pretty clear that McLaren was going to be unable to successfully defend the Formula 1 drivers’ title in 2026.

Coming into the Hungarian Grand Prix, Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli led the standings with 204 points to his name, while the papaya drivers combined couldn’t even match that tally – Lando Norris was on 103, Oscar Piastri on 92.

However, McLaren introduced a substantial upgrade package at the Hungaroring, focusing on front and rear corner bodywork as well as introducing a floor and rear wing.

The consequence was immediate: Norris won from pole and repeated the feat in Zandvoort