Lando Norris downplays McLaren expectations for Canada as Mercedes fight resumes

Lando Norris has tempered expectations that McLaren can immediately take the fight to Mercedes at this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix, citing a significant unknown in track conditions. Despite a strong showing in Miami where Norris scored McLaren's first non-Mercedes win of the season, the team faces a different challenge on Montreal's low-grip surface.

Why it matters:

The battle between McLaren and Mercedes defines the early 2026 season narrative. If McLaren proves competitive in Canada, it signals a genuine title challenge. However, Norris's caution highlights how track-specific performance can delay the expected pecking order, keeping the championship fight open.

The details:

• Norris noted that Miami's high-grip tarmac favoured McLaren's upgraded package, but Montreal's low-grip surface is a different proposition.
• Mercedes held back its own upgrades for Canada, which could further close the gap.
• “We know how good Mercedes has been here over the last three, four, five years,” Norris told media, including RacingNews365. “They also have their upgrades, and we need to see how the upgrades we had in Miami translate to a much lower grip tarmac.”
• McLaren only delivered half of its major upgrade in Miami; the rest arrives in Canada. Its effectiveness on low grip remains unknown.
• Norris also pointed out that Ferrari and Red Bull could be contenders at this circuit, making the weekend even more unpredictable.
• “We are confident [the upgrades] will help, but we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves,” he added.

What's next:

McLaren’s focus is on ensuring the new parts work properly and extracting maximum performance. Norris believes they can at least give Mercedes a good challenge, but stops short of predicting a win. The result in Canada will be a key indicator of whether McLaren can sustain its momentum or if Mercedes will reassert dominance.