P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren believes Mercedes remains the team to beat in F1 2026 despite closing the gap.
McLaren acknowledges Mercedes as the team to beat in the 2026 Formula 1 season, despite closing the gap significantly at the Miami Grand Prix, where Andrea Kimi Antonelli claimed victory for Mercedes.
Lando Norris secured second place, with teammate Oscar Piastri in third, showcasing McLaren’s strong performance. The team’s success followed the introduction of a substantial upgrade package by the reigning world champions.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella emphasized that Mercedes’ W17 remains the benchmark, pointing out their superior speed in high-speed corners and overall performance in both qualifying and race scenarios.
Currently third in the constructors’ championship, McLaren aims to defend its world championship titles with a cautious approach to the long season ahead despite their improving form demonstrated in Miami.
