Norris says Mercedes rivalry could boost McLaren’s 2026 title bid
Brit Lando Norris believes the intra‑team clash between Kimi Antonelli and George Russell will hand points to the rest of the field, shrinking McLaren’s 86‑point gap and reviving their 2026 title hopes.
Lando Norris told GPblog that the more Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli and George Russell clash for points, the better for McLaren’s 2026 title hopes. After a sluggish start that left the team 86 points behind the leaders, the Brit hopes the German rivalry will hand the rest of the grid extra points.
Why it matters:
Mercedes have a perfect 3‑0 start and sit 86 points clear, while McLaren has yet to reach the podium this season. If Antonelli and Russell start stealing points from each other, the gap shrinks and McLaren gains a realistic shot at the championship.
The details:
- Mercedes: 3‑0 start, 86‑point lead, double DNS in China.
- McLaren: Piastri P2 in Suzuka, missed win after safety‑car.
- Miami: new MCL40 debut aims to close the pace gap.
- Norris: “the more they battle, the better – good to see.”
What's next:
The Miami GP this weekend launches the 2026 rule package and McLaren’s updated MCL40. Norris expects the mixed‑speed circuit and battery‑saving straights to deliver “pretty good racing.” A strong finish could narrow the points gap and keep McLaren in the championship hunt, but a podium is still needed for a real title bid.
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