Lando Norris reveals McLaren 'worry' after huge upgrade introduction

Lando Norris admitted McLaren was "worried" after Friday practice in Montreal, where a significant upgrade package initially failed to deliver. The reigning world champion finished FP1 sixth, over a second off the pace, raising doubts about the new parts. However, a much-improved sprint qualifying session saw Norris snatch third on the grid behind the Mercedes duo, turning the weekend's narrative around.

Why it matters:

McLaren's upgrade at a unique, low-grip track like Circuit Gilles Villeneuve highlights the risks and rewards of mid-season development. The team's ability to diagnose and adapt within a single session showcases their operational strength, crucial for defending their championship lead.

The details:

• Norris described the turnaround as a "good surprise" after the morning's lack of confidence in the car.
• Minor tweaks before qualifying made a significant difference, though Norris felt his lap wasn't perfect.
• Not all upgraded parts will be used for the rest of the weekend. Some components need more evaluation, especially given Montreal's kerbs and low grip skewing data.
• Norris expects to reintroduce those parts at the next round in Barcelona or potentially next weekend, once the team has clearer wind tunnel correlation.

What's next:

McLaren will continue to refine the upgrade package through the remainder of the Canadian Grand Prix. The team's cautious approach — splitting spec between cars — allows them to gather comparative data without compromising the weekend. If the sprint qualifying pace is any indicator, the upgrades could be a genuine step forward once fully integrated.