Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Lando Norris has outlined McLaren’s primary objective for the 2026 Formula 1 season as the team attempts to defend both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships.
Norris enters the new campaign as the reigning world champion after securing the drivers’ title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last December. However, the 2026 season presents a new challenge for all teams due to sweeping technical regulation changes affecting both aerodynamic concepts and power unit architecture.
McLaren completed a solid pre-season testing programme, while the general expectation across the paddock is that the traditional top four teams will once again lead the competitive order.
Despite that, Norris insisted that even if McLaren is not the fastest team at the start of the season, the situation should not be viewed negatively.
“I have good confidence in the team no matter what,” Norris told media including RacingNews365.
“I don’t think we’re starting on the back foot. Even if you’re second, third or fourth quickest, I don’t think that means you’re on the back foot.”
According to Norris, such a position would still represent a strong starting point for a season that is expected to feature extensive development across the field.
“That’s still a very good position to start in. In previous years, when it’s been harder to improve during the season, we’ve proven that it’s still possible.”
His comments refer in part to McLaren’s remarkable turnaround during the 2023 season, when the team developed from the back of the grid into regular podium contenders through a series of successful upgrades.
Norris also draws confidence from his championship-winning campaign in 2025, during which consistent performances in the final phase of the season allowed him to secure the title.
“It’s a very long season,” he said.
“One of the big lessons from last year is not to get too frustrated.”
Norris emphasised that a difficult start to the season does not necessarily determine the outcome of the championship.
“One bad race, two bad races, or a slow start to the year can always turn around as long as you keep working hard.”
The British driver expressed strong confidence in McLaren’s ability to continue developing its car throughout the season.
“I have very good faith in the team that if we don’t start in the best way possible, we can continue to work efficiently to bring upgrades and bigger improvements later in the year.”
Even if McLaren begins the season competitively, Norris expects the team to maintain an aggressive development approach.
“Even if we start in good form, I still expect us to improve a lot throughout the season.”
According to Norris, that philosophy will remain central to McLaren’s approach in the new regulatory era.
“That’s certainly the goal. We’re not defined by the results of this weekend or the first few races of the year.”
With a long calendar and a major technical reset shaping the competitive landscape, Norris believes continuous development will be crucial if McLaren is to successfully defend its Formula 1 titles in 2026.
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