McLaren and Lando Norris aim to put horror start behind them at Japanese Grand Prix

2026-03-27 - 14:30

No Mercedes car started last race in China Norris: ‘I believe we can get close’ McLaren’s intent is clear as they enter the Japanese Grand Prix after a trying opening to the season: the only way is up. Suzuka’s singular and spectacular test will form another part of the team’s learning curve of the new regulations, with optimism that the defending champion Lando Norris’s title and the team’s constructors’ championship are still within reach. After Mercedes dominated the opening two rounds, McLaren found themselves third fastest but well behind Ferrari and as much as half a second off the pace. They were honest in acknowledging they had work to do on the aerodynamic side of the chassis and on understanding how best to exploit their new engines under the power management rules that are now a key part of performance. Continue reading...