McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has sent a clear message to rivals, emphasising his squad’s determination to sustain momentum in the 2026 championship following Lando Norris’s recent victory in Hungary. This win not only marks McLaren’s long-awaited first triumph of the season, but it also closes the gap greatly in the championship standings.
Norris’s outstanding performance has reduced his deficit to championship leader Kimi Antonelli to 91 points while McLaren has narrowed its gap to Mercedes to 159 points. As the defending driver champion, Norris faces the challenge of overtaking prominent competitors including Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and Charles Leclerc, with Ferrari lurking just 72 points behind Mercedes, heightening the stakes as the season progresses.
McLaren’s Boost from Hungarian Grand Prix Victory
Stella’s confidence is buoyed by the real upgrades introduced during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend. The enhancements not only propelled Norris to pole position but also allowed him to dominate the race, finishing 15 seconds ahead of Verstappen. If not for an early tussle with teammate Oscar Piastri, the victory margin may have been even larger, illustrating McLaren’s emerging competitiveness.
Technical Evolution of the MCL40
Stella elaborated on the important upgrades, describing the changes as a “change of direction” for the MCL40. The team previously underestimated the level of enhancement required but has now redirected its focus based on thorough analysis of the car’s early-season performance. The move forward has the potential to keep McLaren in contention as they approach the subsequent races.
McLaren’s Strategy for Future Races
With 12 races remaining, Stella remains optimistic, stating, “If we can continue the season as we did in Budapest, we can still achieve a great deal.” He stressed the importance of sustaining development momentum, urging the team to outpace rivals in the competitive race for upgrades. The upcoming Dutch Grand Prix presents an opportunity for McLaren to capitalise on their recent performance and challenge for further victories.
The SportiveNews view
This latest victory signals a potential turning point for McLaren in the 2026 season. The reallocation of development resources and strategic adjustments to the MCL40 could prove important as they aim to reclaim their position among the leaders. Sustaining this momentum and translating recent successes into consistent performance could be the key for McLaren to re-establish themselves as title contenders.
Frequently asked questions
What real upgrade did McLaren introduce at the Hungarian Grand Prix?
The upgrade package brought to Hungary was described as a considerable shift in direction for the MCL40, ultimately leading Lando Norris to secure pole position and victory. The enhancements allowed for real performance improvements, essential for competitiveness in the ongoing season.
How does McLaren’s current standing compare to 2025?
At this time last year, McLaren held a 299-point lead in the constructors’ standings, contrasting sharply with their current positioning. As they head into the second half of the 2026 season, their recent improvements signal a potential resurgence in form, emphasising the team’s adaptability and resilience.
As the Formula 1 season resumes with a Sprint weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix from August 21-23, every session will be available live on Sky Sports. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime