Norris urges McLaren patience as team chases F1 resurgence

Lando Norris has urged McLaren to remain patient through its 2026 resurgence, conceding the team can match Mercedes' current pace but is unlikely to enjoy the same commanding advantage seen at the season's start.

Why it matters:

McLaren entered the year as reigning constructors' champion but was quickly overshadowed by Mercedes, which built a substantial early lead. Norris sits fifth in the drivers' standings and knows erasing a roughly 100-point gap will take time, even with a major upgrade now on the car.

The details:

• McLaren broke through for its first win of the season at the Hungarian Grand Prix in round 11, introducing a substantial upgrade that returned it to the top step.
• Norris is confident the package will work at various circuits, with Zandvoort next month offering the next crucial test.
• Despite the points deficit, Norris feels he is driving better than last year and remains satisfied with his personal performance even if the standings do not yet reflect it.
• McLaren sits third in the constructors' championship at the halfway point, and Norris believes "good races" are still possible in the second half.

What's next:

The next few rounds will reveal whether McLaren's Hungary upgrade truly unlocks consistent front-running pace. If the car performs across different layouts, Norris could begin eating into the deficit, though he insists expectations must remain grounded as the team slowly chips away at Mercedes' early advantage.