Norris Confident McLaren Will Have ‘Best Car’ Despite Early 2026 Struggles

World champion Lando Norris believes McLaren will build the best car on the 2026 grid by the end of the season, despite sitting 36 points behind championship leader George Russell after just two races.

McLaren’s start to F1’s new era has been difficult. Norris managed only fifth at the Australian Grand Prix and suffered a DNS in China due to an electrical failure. Teammate Oscar Piastri has yet to complete a race lap after crashing en route to the grid in Melbourne and encountering a separate power unit problem in Shanghai.

However, Norris pointed to McLaren’s proven development track record, noting the team overcame a similar deficit in 2024.

“I can’t remember exactly how many points we were behind in 2024 but I think it was over 100 points and we still managed to come back and win the Constructors’,” Norris said. “We’ve won the last two championships because we could build the best car on the grid, and I’m confident we can get back to doing that this year.”

McLaren’s improved pace at Suzuka on Friday suggests upgrades are already making an impact, with Piastri finishing fastest in the second practice session ahead of both Mercedes drivers.