McLaren linked with stronger 2026 outlook amid upgrade progress
Recent reports point to growing confidence around McLaren’s longer-term Formula 1 prospects. The team’s recent results and effective upgrade work have been cited alongside comments from rivals and insiders about the competitive picture for 2026.
Former Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer said on the High Performance Racing podcast that he believes McLaren will become Mercedes’ main rival by the end of the 2026 Formula 1 season. His view came in the context of discussion about the order at the front of the grid after Lando Norris claimed back-to-back victories at the Hungarian and Dutch Grands Prix.
Norris has also said he is fully confident McLaren can make the changes needed to its current car to challenge for the 2026 championship. He made those comments to Sky Sports after confirming his McLaren contract extension through the end of 2030.
Separate reporting has highlighted McLaren’s strong success rate with upgrades this season. At the same time, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has made comments raising concern about the team’s development situation for the rest of the season.
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