Lando Norris is gearing up for his highly anticipated return to the Formula One grid as the 2026 season resumes this weekend in Miami—the site of his first F1 victory. The season’s fourth round kicks off with a Sprint Race on Saturday, marking the end of a five-week break caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The defending champion has faced a challenging start to the season, currently sitting fifth in the standings, trailing leader Kimi Antonelli by 47 points. McLaren finds itself behind both Mercedes and Ferrari in the Constructors Championship. This mid-season pause has given teams, including McLaren, the chance to regroup and introduce vital car upgrades ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.
McLaren’s factory team in Woking has used this period to deepen their understanding of the MCL40 and adapt to the new regulations. Both Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri have spent additional hours on the simulator, aiming to unlock more performance potential. The pair also participated in a two-day Pirelli Tyre Test at the Nürburgring, marking McLaren’s first run at the iconic circuit since 2020. This replaced a planned test in Saudi Arabia, which was canceled following the removal of that Grand Prix from the calendar.
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Off the track, McLaren is delivering an immersive fan experience in Miami. Their most ambitious US event ever is set over Regatta Harbour, featuring family-friendly activities and broadcasting all on-track sessions live on giant screens. This creates a vibrant social hub for fans throughout the race weekend.
Looking ahead, Norris’ race engineer, Will Joseph, reflected on Miami 2024 as a milestone for the team: “Lando’s first victory was a huge moment for us all. The timing of the safety car was perfect, but it was Lando’s pace in the final stint that truly proved the strength of both driver and car after the upgrade.”
Meanwhile, Norris has addressed recent speculation about Max Verstappen’s future in Formula One. Verstappen, a four-time world champion, has publicly criticized the new regulations—likening the sport to a “Mario Kart” game—and recently hinted at the possibility of quitting. Adding to the uncertainty, Verstappen’s trusted race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase has left Red Bull to join McLaren.
Speaking ahead of the Miami race, Norris dismissed rumors of Verstappen’s imminent departure, saying: “Max has earned the right to choose his path. He’s always been honest about his opinions, which is admirable. It would be a huge loss for the sport if he left because he’s one of the best drivers ever. Racing against him is tough but also a huge thrill.”
He continued, “I saw Max express his goal to win a fifth world championship, so I’m confident he’ll stay longer than people think.”
Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull runs through 2028, and the recent rule changes—such as adjustments to qualifying procedures and limits on the boost button—aim to address some of his concerns. These updates will come into effect starting with the Miami race.
Oscar Piastri, Norris’ teammate, cautiously welcomed the rule modifications: “I need to review all the details, but it seems like a step forward. We’ll have a clearer picture once we’re back on track.”
With the F1 season back in action after a challenging break, the spotlight turns to Miami once again, promising thrilling racing and fresh opportunities for McLaren and its star drivers.