Norris begins F1 title defense with 'hunter' mentality, downplays preseason pace

Reigning World Champion Lando Norris insists he and McLaren will approach the 2026 season as "hunters" despite carrying the coveted #1 on his car, downplaying concerns about the team's preseason testing form. As Formula 1 embarks on a major regulatory reset with new, smaller cars and 50/50 hybrid power units, Norris remains confident in his team's ability to develop and challenge from any starting position.

Why it matters:

A champion's mindset can define a title defense. Norris's insistence on maintaining an underdog mentality, even from the top, is a strategic psychological approach to avoid complacency and sustain the relentless drive that won him the 2025 crown. With the entire grid starting from a clean slate under new rules, this attitude could be crucial for McLaren to navigate the unpredictable early phase of the season and mount another serious championship challenge.

The Details:

• Testing Timesheets: Early indications from preseason testing suggested McLaren might be the third or fourth fastest team, with Mercedes and Ferrari appearing to hold an initial edge.
• Norris's Perspective: The Briton dismissed the notion that this puts McLaren "on the back foot," calling second, third, or fourth "a very good position to start." He pointed to the team's proven track record of in-season development in previous years as a reason for confidence.
• Regulatory Reset: The 2026 season features completely new technical and power unit regulations, making year-on-year comparisons difficult. The cars are smaller, lighter, and utilize active aerodynamics.
• The Hunter Mentality: Norris elaborated that his personal approach remains unchanged. "We’ve been the hunter for many, many years... our mentality as a team is still always to feel like we’re the hunters," he said, emphasizing a focus on self-improvement over external expectations.
• Hunger for More: The 26-year-old admitted winning his first title in 2025 only increased his desire. "It made me want it more," he stated, comparing the feeling to winning a race and immediately wanting another.

What's next:

The true competitive order will begin to reveal itself at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. Norris's comments set the stage for a title defense built on relentless progression rather than presumptive dominance. If McLaren can indeed unlock performance from its new MCL38 as the season progresses, Norris's hunter mentality could prove to be the perfect foil for a year where adaptability may trump initial raw speed. His ultimate goal is clear: to channel that mindset into becoming "the best version of myself" and securing a second consecutive championship.