Lando Norris handed F1 'sweet spot' praise amid fading title hopes

Lando Norris may be falling behind in the championship race, but his performances this season have drawn glowing praise from 2016 F1 champion Nico Rosberg, who says the McLaren driver is "in the sweet spot" despite fading title hopes.

Why it matters:

Norris arrived in 2026 as the reigning champion after a last-round triumph in Abu Dhabi, but McLaren's slow start with a new customer power unit left him playing catch-up. Now 106 points behind series leader Kimi Antonelli, a successful title defence looks increasingly unlikely. Rosberg's comments, however, highlight that Norris's personal form remains world-class — a crucial foundation for McLaren's push in the second half of the season.

The details:

• Rosberg attributes McLaren's early struggles to adapting to a new power unit: "Not only was the car missing in the beginning of the season, but I think they also needed time to get used to the power unit. That's a disadvantage when you're a customer."
• The MCL40 has shown signs of life recently, with two wins in the last four rounds — and a potential third lost to a poorly timed virtual safety car in Madrid.
• Norris has consistently been the stronger McLaren driver, edging out Oscar Piastri in most races and proving his champion's mettle.
• Rosberg believes Norris's mindset is key: "He's not the favourite to the championship this year either. That makes you more relaxed because you're not the hunted, but you're the hunter."
• The 2016 champion added: "He's really in the sweet spot at the moment, and he's driving as well as ever. It's unbelievable to watch, the level that he's at out there at the moment."

What's next:

With a 106-point gap to close, defending the title is a tall order. But Norris's recent wins and McLaren's upward curve suggest he won't fade quietly. If the team can maintain its improved pace, Norris could still play a decisive role in the championship fight — even if he isn't leading it.