Zak Brown and Lando Norris Confident in McLaren's 2026 Prospects

Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren Racing, is on the same page as his star driver, Lando Norris, regarding the potential of the MCL40. Both are optimistic that McLaren can rise to the top of the F1 grid by 2026. Norris, the reigning world champion, has expressed confidence that McLaren can reclaim its status as the best car on the grid. After securing consecutive constructors' titles and Norris's maiden drivers' championship in 2025, McLaren entered 2026 with high hopes. However, Mercedes has so far dominated the season, clinching every pole and victory.

McLaren did give Mercedes a run for their money at Suzuka, thanks to a brilliant start by Oscar Piastri, who surged from third to first. He managed to fend off George Russell's attempts to overtake until a timely safety car allowed Kimi Antonelli, Russell's teammate, to pit without losing track position. Antonelli capitalized on this advantage to secure his second win of the season.

Despite the current standings, Norris remains bullish about McLaren's prospects. He stated, "Our focus is on getting back on the podium and winning races. We believe in our ability to build the best car, as we've done before. It takes patience, but I'm confident in our team." Channel 4 asked Brown if he shared Norris's optimism, and he agreed wholeheartedly, acknowledging the team's impressive progress over recent years.

"The competition is fierce, but our team has excelled in upgrading our car," Brown said. "We've climbed from ninth to first in recent years, and although we're currently the third-fastest, I'm confident in our ongoing efforts at the factory."

For now, McLaren sits third in the constructors' standings, trailing Ferrari by 44 points and Mercedes by 89. As 2026 unfolds, the team remains determined to challenge the current leaders and return to the top step of the podium.