5 May 2026SpeedcafeAnalysisRace report

Why McLaren can’t celebrate its double Miami podium yet

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri took a strong 2-3 finish in Miami, but the team warns that the circuit suited their car. With Mercedes bringing upgrades to Canada, true competitiveness remains unproven.

McLaren secured its best result of the 2026 season with a double podium in Miami — Lando Norris second and Oscar Piastri third behind Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli. A major upgrade package transformed the MCL40’s pace, yet both drivers are resisting the urge to declare a breakthrough. The caveat? Miami is a track that traditionally favors McLaren, and Mercedes is expected to counter with its own upgrades in Montreal.

Why it matters:

McLaren’s performance spike could signal a genuine step forward after a slow start, but the team needs to prove it on circuits that don't naturally suit its car. The upcoming Canadian Grand Prix will be the first real litmus test, as Mercedes has been dominant there historically and will bring fresh parts. If McLaren can compete on that track, the title picture could shift.

The details:

Norris finished 1.2 seconds behind Antonelli after leading the Sprint race, while Piastri held off George Russell for third.
McLaren brought seven upgrades to Miami, including revised front wing, nose, sidepods, engine cover, floor, and rear wing.
Norris: “We know this track suits us. Mercedes hasn't been as strong here in the past, yet they were still very fast. We need to see how we perform on different tracks over several races.”
Piastri echoed: “The upgrades are working well, but we need to see where we stack up at a few different circuits. Mercedes also has an upgrade for Canada.”
Mercedes’ upgrade package for Montreal is expected, and George Russell — winner of last year’s Canadian GP — is eager to return to a track where he’s finished top four in four of five starts.
Antonelli feels increasingly comfortable in the car and is confident the team can repeat its Miami success.

What's next:

The Canadian Grand Prix on May 23-25 will determine whether McLaren’s Miami form is a genuine breakthrough or a track-specific anomaly. Both teams will deploy upgrades, setting up a crucial early-season showdown. For McLaren, a strong result in Montreal would silence doubts and confirm its return to the front of the grid.