After enduring a grueling five-race streak without a single trip to the podium, Lando Norris is heading into the Interlagos weekend with renewed hope. The McLaren driver has revealed that the team has prepared a crucial technical upgrade package for the Brazilian GP, a strategic move aimed at boosting the performance of the MCL40, which has recently slipped behind rivals like Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull.
This barren run, stretching back to Azerbaijan, marks the longest podium drought of the 2026 season for the Woking-based squad. Despite this, Norris remains optimistic yet grounded. "I hope so. I don't know. I certainly feel like the last few weekends, the pace has not been too bad on Sundays. If things had gone just a little bit better, we certainly could have had better results," Norris told the media.
The upgrade package features a revised front wing, a modified rear wing, and new floor components. Interestingly, these updates also serve as an early test for aerodynamic concepts destined for next year's car. However, Norris cautioned that these changes come with inherent risks, noting that the MCL40—already known for being tricky to drive at the limit—could become even more demanding to handle with the new parts.
"I certainly don't expect to go out and win races all of a sudden, but the last few weekends we've certainly not been miles away. We certainly have some weaknesses in the car, and just the drivability, the difficulty of driving it, is certainly one of the biggest factors at the minute, but the potential has been there," he explained. "So, I hope if it just puts us a little bit further forward in qualifying, we just have a little bit better of a chance in the race. And, of course, I would like to be back on the podium as soon as possible."
Amidst the fierce competition at the front of the grid, McLaren's push for a resurgence is highly anticipated. With data being gathered, the team hopes to reverse their recent trend and put pressure on the championship leaders as the 2026 season approaches its climax.
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