Lando Norris Says 2026 F1 Field Is “Definitely Closer” Than Previous Eras
McLaren driver Lando Norris believes the 2026 Formula 1 field is more competitive than previous years despite his team's early-season struggles. Norris attributes the team's current standing to a difficult start and a focus on the previous season's development.
Why it matters
This reflects the shifting power dynamics in professional motorsports following major regulatory changes.
Lando Norris reckons the field is close especially at the top despite new regulations in F1 2026 and feels McLaren should have been much further ahead in terms of points.
Having secured both the titles in F1 2025, McLaren sits third in the 2026 constructors' standings with 263 points behind Mercedes (425) and Ferrari (338) after 12 races, while Norris is fourth in the drivers' standings with 159 points behind Andrea Kimi Antonelli (242), George Russell (183) & Lewis Hamilton (183).
They are in the hunt but not quite still, especially due to early struggles. They had three 'Did Not Start' to start the F1 2026 campaign from two races. There were three more retirements, leaving them quite behind their immediate rivals. They have picked up with wins in last two races, but still not there yet.
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