Norris ‘Even More Confident’ as McLaren Aim for 2026 Title Repeat

Norris Ready to Defend His Crown

McLaren CEO Zak Brown says Lando Norris is entering the 2026 Formula 1 season with “even higher confidence” after becoming world champion last year.

“Some drivers win once and stop. But Lando wants more – like Lewis, Max, and Schumacher,” said Brown.

With Oscar Piastri also tipped to challenge again after leading much of last season, McLaren expect both drivers to be in the hunt as they prepare for the new campaign starting in Australia (6–8 March).

McLaren’s 2026 Campaign Outlook

• Free to race: Norris and Piastri will be allowed to compete freely again, with strategic management only when necessary.

• Strong preseason signs: After a successful ‘shakedown’ in Spain, McLaren feel positive heading into Bahrain testing.

• Brown says:

  “We feel like we’ll be competitive, but it’s too early for bold predictions.”

Norris vs Piastri, Round Two?

McLaren unveiled the new car

With McLaren winning the 2025 constructors’ title, internal battles could heat up:

• Norris is hungry for a second championship.

• Piastri, whose late-season dip cost him the title last year, is reportedly more focused than ever.

“If we give them the right car, both will be in with a shout,” added Brown.

Compression Ratio Row: “Just F1 Politics”

A paddock row has emerged over Mercedes’ power units, which McLaren use:

• Rivals (Audi, Ferrari, Honda) allege Mercedes are exploiting material expansion to exceed the 16:1 compression ratio under heat.

• Potential gain? Around 0.3 seconds per lap.

• Brown:

  “The engine is fully compliant. Just politics. No real concern we won’t be on the grid in Australia.”

Customer vs Works Teams Under New Engine Rules

• Some suggest customer teams could be disadvantaged under the complex 2026 energy management regulations.

• Brown dismisses this:

  “We get the same engine. We’ve proven customers can compete — we’ll continue to.”

What’s Next?

McLaren’s preseason focus will be:

• Maximizing energy deployment with the new hybrid power units

• Continuing strong car development to keep pace with Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari

• Preparing for a tight intra-team battle between Norris and Piastri