McLaren CEO Zak Brown describes Lando Norris as “highly motivated” and confident as the British driver prepares to defend his Formula One World Championship title. After clinching his maiden championship last season in a thrilling finale in Abu Dhabi, where he outpaced teammate Oscar Piastri and reigning champion Max Verstappen, Norris is eager to continue his winning momentum.
At McLaren’s 2026 car launch, Norris acknowledged the monumental significance of his first title, saying he would be content even if he never added another. Yet, Brown believes Norris embodies the mindset of legendary champions like Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher, who strive not just to win once but multiple times.
“Lando’s confidence is higher than ever before,” Brown stated. “He is incredibly driven, and it’s our responsibility to provide both him and Oscar with the machinery to compete for the championship. If we can do that, both drivers will have a genuine shot at the title.”
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While McLaren has secured the last two constructors’ championships, they may face stiff competition this year from Mercedes, who appear to have gained an early edge due to recent regulatory changes. Mercedes-powered cars, including McLaren, are at the center of speculation surrounding an alleged loophole that allows them to increase their engine’s compression ratio beyond the official limit of 16:1, an advantage that could translate into vital lap time.
Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ CEO, recently dismissed these claims, urging rival teams to “get their s*** together” instead of seeking excuses. Brown echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the politics inherent in Formula One: “If a perceived advantage exists, teams will spin stories, but the reality is that all Mercedes engines comply fully with regulations and have passed every test. I expect all Mercedes-powered teams on the grid in Australia.”
As anticipation builds toward the 2026 season opener in Melbourne on March 8, teams are gearing up with pre-season testing. The second round begins in Bahrain this Wednesday, followed by another three-day session next week, setting the stage for an exciting and fiercely contested championship.