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Team Update Combined from 3 sources

McLaren examining recurring straight-line speed issue on Norris car

McLaren is looking into a recurring straight-line speed problem affecting Lando Norris’ car after Bahrain Grand Prix qualifying. Norris qualified sixth and indicated a stronger result had been possible, with the issue noted for a second straight qualifying session.

F1 Hub Newsroom
October 3, 2026
McLaren examining recurring straight-line speed issue on Norris car

McLaren is investigating a persistent straight-line speed issue affecting Lando Norris’ car after Bahrain Grand Prix qualifying. Norris ended the session sixth and said a better result had been available.

Reports indicated the team remains puzzled by a problem that appears to be affecting Norris specifically. Andrea Stella also addressed the situation around Norris’ current Mercedes power unit.

Autosport reported that McLaren is already known to give up straight-line speed relative to other Mercedes-powered teams because of its chosen gear ratios. The latest concern comes after Norris was said to be lacking straight-line speed for the second qualifying session in a row.

Sources (3)

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