Lando Norris isn't mincing words about McLaren's 2026 struggles. He states the team is a stark "three months behind" rivals in the current development race, requiring a massive effort to return to their championship-winning form from last season. Despite entering 2026 as reigning World Champions, McLaren has yet to secure a victory, plagued by reliability issues and a lack of consistent pace.
A P3 finish in Barcelona, aided by a late Antonelli retirement, was a small step, but Norris downplays its significance as a true indicator of closing the gap. He emphasizes that one "good upgrade" won't cut it. McLaren needs "three, four, five" significant developments to close the two-to-three-month deficit in their car philosophy. While the team is "excited and motivated" by the challenge, Norris concedes they won't be the quickest "any time soon." Expect Norris to trial an experimental rear wing in Austria practice as they push to narrow the margin in the coming months.
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