McLaren downplays FP2 pace, expects usual 2026 F1 order to resume in Japan

Despite Oscar Piastri topping the timesheets in second practice at the Japanese Grand Prix, McLaren remains realistic about its position in the 2026 Formula 1 hierarchy, expecting Mercedes and Ferrari to reassert their dominance as the weekend progresses. The team views its strong FP2 showing as a positive but likely outlier, acknowledging that the fundamental competitive order established at the season's start remains unchanged.

Why it matters:

After a troubled opening to the new regulation era with a crash and mechanical failures, McLaren desperately needed a confidence boost. However, tempering expectations after a single practice session highlights the team's focus on long-term development over flash-in-the-pan results, as it continues to grapple with extracting performance from the complex 2026 power units.

The details:

• FP2 Result: Oscar Piastri set the fastest time in the session, while teammate Lando Norris was fourth despite a hydraulic leak that limited his running.
• Season Context: This performance comes after a difficult start for McLaren, which missed the Melbourne opener due to Piastri's crash and saw both cars fail to start the Shanghai race with mechanical issues.
• Championship Standings: The team sits third in the constructors' championship with 18 points, trailing Ferrari and a dominant Mercedes team that has won every race so far in 2026.
• Team Assessment: Racing Director Randy Singh and the team's official press release both stated the underlying pecking order "looks pretty much the same," noting similar strong Friday pace was shown in Australia without translating to race-day results.

What's next:

With no car upgrades for the Suzuka weekend, McLaren anticipates its competitive level will settle behind Mercedes and Ferrari during qualifying and the race. The team's immediate goal is to convert its improved understanding of the 2026 package into consistent points finishes, building a foundation for future development to close the gap to the front.