P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lando Norris admits McLaren’s race pace strength from 2025 has not carried over
Reigning Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris acknowledges that the 2026 McLaren lacks the race pace strength that propelled him to victory last year. The team had excelled in managing rear tyre temperatures under the previous regulations but has not replicated that dominance with the new 2026 cars. Norris admitted during pre-season testing in Bahrain that the MCL40 requires more effort to match its rivals’ pace, leading to increased tyre degradation. While McLaren has not yet fully transitioned its strong race pace from the previous year, Norris remains optimistic about retaining some of their strengths from the championship-winning season. The team is diligently working to improve various aspects of performance, including race pace and tyre management, in order to close the gap to their competitors. Despite the challenges faced early on in testing, McLaren is committed to refining the car and finding the right balance for the upcoming season.
