From Double DNS to Miami Podium: How McLaren Turned It Around

McLaren rebounded from a challenging start to the 2026 Formula 1 season by delivering a commanding performance at the Miami Grand Prix. The Woking-based team secured a one-two finish in the Sprint on Saturday and followed it with a double podium in the main race, trailing only Kimi Antonelli's Mercedes.

Why it matters:

McLaren's rapid recovery from early-season struggles — including double retirements (DNS) in the opening rounds — highlights their ability to develop and implement effective upgrades. This turnaround puts them back in contention for top honours and shows that their 2024 form was no fluke.

The Details:

• Sprint dominance: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri locked out the top two spots in Saturday's Sprint, setting the tone for the weekend.
• Race result: Both drivers finished on the podium on Sunday, with Norris second and Piastri third behind Kimi Antonelli.
• Upgrade package: McLaren brought seven changes to the MCL61 for Miami, continuing their tradition of delivering effective updates at this venue — just as they did in 2024.
• Stella's assessment: Team principal Andrea Stella told GPblog that the competitive order has shifted. “We’ve seen McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull closing the gap,” he said. “Mercedes still seems to possess a couple of tenths’ advantage. In the first sprint phase, Mercedes didn’t express their full potential, making others look closer than they are.”

The Big Picture:

McLaren's ability to bounce back from a poor start mirrors their trajectory in 2024, when a major upgrade in Miami transformed their season. Now, with Red Bull and Ferrari also improving, the midfield has tightened. Mercedes remains the benchmark, but McLaren has shown they can challenge when they optimise execution. The remainder of the season will test whether they can sustain this momentum and close the gap entirely.