Norris: I don't have the ability to know if McLaren's 'odd' traits are unique

Lando Norris says he "does not have the ability" to know whether the oddities in McLaren's F1 cars are unique to the team. Despite a history of teammates pointing out the Woking cars' distinctive traits, the reigning champion remains uncertain under the new 2026 regulations.

Why it matters:

The 2026 regulation overhaul changed how downforce is generated, shifting from ground effect to more 2021-style aerodynamic surfaces. Understanding car characteristics is now more critical than ever, and if McLaren's traits are indeed unique, it could shape their development path and explain their performance patterns across different corner types.

The details:

• Since Norris debuted in 2019, Carlos Sainz and Daniel Ricciardo have both noted the unique handling traits of McLaren cars compared to other teams they've driven for.
• McLaren has historically struggled in low-speed corners and while braking through hairpins, but excelled in high-speed, fast-flowing sections.
• Norris believes it's a driver's job to adapt to the new breed of machinery, but he can't tell if the "odd" and "unique" traits are a McLaren-specific phenomenon.
• He told media, including RacingNews365, that this year's car is "different by quite a long way" from last year, requiring significant adaptation at the start of the season.

One area of difference: tyres

• The smaller 2026 chassis means smaller tyres, which have a smaller contact patch and generate less downforce through corners.
• Norris is "90% sure" the different feel is more than just mechanical balance, highlighting the tyres' reduced size and lower temperature as key factors.
• He added that these changes require more adaptation this year compared to last.

What's next:

As the season unfolds, Norris and McLaren will continue to adapt to the new regulations. Whether the car's unique traits remain a defining feature or fade with development, the reigning champion is focused on extracting maximum performance from the new package.