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Lando Norris concedes McLaren won’t dominate F1 2026: will Mercedes steal the spotlight?

Redação by Redação
February 8, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Lando Norris concedes McLaren won’t dominate F1 2026: will Mercedes steal the spotlight?

Formula One F1 - Italian Grand Prix - Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy - September 7, 2025 McLaren's Lando Norris before the race REUTERS/Jakub Porzycki

Lando Norris, the reigning Formula 1 champion, has made a stunning admission that could shake the very foundations of the 2026 season! As the new regulations loom, Norris openly agrees with the buzz surrounding the paddock—that McLaren may not be the team to beat when the championship kicks off in just a month. This revelation comes hot on the heels of Norris clinching his first title at the dramatic Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, edging out Max Verstappen by a mere two points after an electrifying 24-race season.

Despite his triumphant past, Norris faces an uphill battle as he prepares for a new era in F1. Ahead of the first grand prix in Melbourne on March 8, bookies have shifted their gaze away from the talented British driver, instead placing their bets on his long-time friend George Russell from Mercedes. The Silver Arrows have a rich history of dominating regulation changes, and their performance during the pre-season shakeout in Barcelona has only solidified their position as frontrunners, having completed a staggering 500 laps over three days of testing.

In an exclusive chat with Sky Sports, Norris didn’t hold back when discussing his rivals. “He is the massive favourite to be honest with you. I completely agree with the bookmakers,” he said, acknowledging the early hype that positions Mercedes ahead of McLaren in the competitive landscape of 2026. With Norris recognizing the formidable strength of Mercedes’ engine formula, questions arise regarding McLaren’s ability to close the gap.

“It’s hard to say that,” Norris stated, reflecting on the monumental challenge ahead. He highlighted the extensive groundwork Mercedes has laid over the years, emphasizing the complexity of developing a competitive car. “Everything takes time,” he noted, underscoring the learning curve both teams will face with the new regulations. Despite being a customer team for Mercedes, Norris remains optimistic about their collaboration. “We work together as a unity,” he asserted, expressing confidence in the partnership’s potential to yield results as they navigate this new chapter.

Norris also weighed in on the prospect of a title duel with Russell, indicating that their camaraderie would endure, regardless of the fierce competition. “Me and George get along well,” he shared. “I completely believe he'll win a championship in the future,” acknowledging that their mutual respect would remain intact even amidst the high-stakes rivalry.

As the countdown to the 2026 season intensifies, the F1 world is buzzing with speculation. Can McLaren rise to the occasion and challenge the might of Mercedes? With pre-season testing set to commence in Bahrain from February 11, fans will be eager to see how these developments unfold. The stage is set for a thrilling season, and all eyes will be on Norris and his McLaren team as they strive to defy the odds and reclaim their place at the pinnacle of Formula 1 racing!

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2025-mclaren-f1-championship2026-formula-1-seasongeorge-russell-2getspeed-mercedesLando Norrismax-verstappen-en
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