Steiner backs Norris to overtake Russell for second in 2026 title race

Guenther Steiner has backed Lando Norris to overtake George Russell for second in the 2026 F1 drivers' championship. Following the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring circuit, Norris sits fourth with 186 points, while Russell is second on 211 and Kimi Antonelli leads with 292.

Why it matters:

McLaren's mid-season resurgence has turned the battle for runner-up into a compelling storyline. With Antonelli pulling clear, the Norris-Russell duel is the season's most intriguing fight — and a signal that McLaren is back among the frontrunners after a difficult start.

The Details:

• After a slow start, McLaren upgrades delivered back-to-back wins for Norris in Hungary and the Netherlands, plus fourth in Italy.
• Steiner on The Red Flags Podcast: "He will be second if he continues like this. Look how happy the Lando boy is."
• Norris, after extending his McLaren deal to 2030, told Sky Sports: "The team is working better than they've ever worked before... We proved over the last few weekends that we can still win races."
• He added the car needs work in "certain areas," but the team can "easily" fight for titles.

What's next:

Norris trails Russell by 25 points with several races left. McLaren's development rate will decide if Steiner's prediction holds.