Lando Norris Confidence Rises As McLaren Chief Backs Title Defence In 2026

McLaren chief executive Zak Brown stated that Lando Norris enters the 2026 Formula One season with strong belief and drive. Norris secured the 2025 Drivers' Championship in Abu Dhabi, edging Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, and McLaren now aims to extend its recent dominance into another campaign.

Brown expects both McLaren drivers to compete for the title again, provided the team delivers a car capable of matching rivals. Norris is targeting further successes after the breakthrough crown, while Piastri looks to turn consistent performances into a sustained championship push across the upcoming season.

Attention across the paddock has shifted to the 2026 regulations, with teams preparing for fresh technical demands. McLaren has unveiled its new

car and seeks a third straight Constructors' Championship, as the second round of pre-season testing in Bahrain approaches and engineers refine set-ups for the new rules.

Brown explained how Norris currently approaches the challenge, comparing the champion’s attitude with past serial winners. Brown said: "There are some drivers that say, 'I've done it, now I'm done. ' And then you have drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen and Michael Schumacher who go, I've done it once, now I want to do it twice and three and four times. Lando's confidence is very high. He's highly motivated. It's our job to give he and Oscar equipment again to be able to let him fight it out for the championship. But if we can do that, I would think Oscar and Lando will both be in with a shout. "

Last season featured debate over strategy calls involving Norris and Piastri, especially during races where team instructions influenced track position. Tension rose when Piastri was asked to allow Norris through, a decision broadcast over team radio that Piastri publicly disliked and considered harsh in the context of the race.

Brown stressed that McLaren does not plan to introduce strict internal rules, often labelled by observers as potential 'Papaya Rules'. "They continue to be free to race," added Brown. "Again, we will be strategic and intelligent when situations arise. There won't be much change because they were free to race last year. "

McLaren F1 maintains unity ahead of Bahrain testing

McLaren now balances managing a competitive driver pairing with maximising results under the revised technical framework. The team moves towards the Bahrain test focused on reliability, performance runs and clear communication, aiming to give Norris and Piastri equal opportunity while pursuing both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships.

The dynamic within the garage remains under close scrutiny as rivals evaluate McLaren's approach to its title-winning line-up.

Reunited #McLarenF1 pic.twitter.com/D2DncdBF1TMcLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team (@McLarenF1) February 9, 2026

With confidence high and both drivers free to fight, the 2026 season shapes as another intense chapter for the team.