Lando Norris has shared his thoughts on his driving performance during the 2026 Formula 1® season, suggesting that he feels he is currently driving better than he did at the same stage of his title-winning 2025 campaign. This reflection comes after Norris secured his first victory of the year at the Hungarian Grand Prix, marking a significant moment in McLaren’s ongoing development this season.
After 11 rounds of the championship, Norris sits fifth in the Drivers’ Championship with 128 points, while McLaren holds third place in the Teams’ standings. Norris acknowledges that the team’s start to the season was slower compared to rivals like Mercedes and Ferrari, who dominated early races. However, recent car upgrades have helped McLaren close the gap, culminating in the breakthrough win in Hungary.
Despite the progress, Norris is clear that the McLaren car is not yet consistently competitive enough to challenge regularly for race wins. He points to the ongoing development efforts within the team and expresses confidence in their ability to improve performance as the season continues. Norris also highlights the importance of focusing on the present work rather than looking too far ahead to future expectations.
Norris’s comparison to his 2025 season is notable given the challenges he faced during that campaign, including qualifying mistakes and a collision with teammate Oscar Piastri. Despite these setbacks, he managed to secure the championship ahead of Max Verstappen. This year, while McLaren’s pace was initially behind the leading teams, the improvements have allowed Norris to demonstrate a refined driving approach and greater consistency.
The competitive landscape in 2026 remains strong, with Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull Racing continuing to be key rivals. Norris’s teammate Oscar Piastri and drivers like Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli are also part of this dynamic field. Norris’s comments underline the fine margins and ongoing challenges faced by McLaren as they seek to build on their recent success.
Looking ahead, Norris remains optimistic about the potential for further race wins but maintains a grounded perspective on the team’s current position. His focus is on extracting the best from the car and supporting McLaren’s development path throughout the remainder of the season.
