Norris admits McLaren are ‘three months behind’ rivals

Defending World Champions McLaren and Lando Norris face a challenging start to the 2026 F1 season, currently trailing their rivals by an estimated three months in development. Despite entering the year with high expectations, the team has struggled with reliability issues, limiting their success to occasional podium finishes. Norris finished third at the Barcelona Grand Prix, but he emphasized that significant work remains to catch the leaders. He noted that a single upgrade will not be enough to bridge the gap, suggesting that a series of continuous improvements over several months will be required to return to the front of the pack. As part of an aggressive development strategy, McLaren will test an experimental rear wing during Friday practice at the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix. While the team currently sits third in the Constructors' Championship, both Norris and the wider staff remain motivated and confident in their ability to close the deficit throughout the remainder of the season.