Lando Norris gives major update on speculations linking Max Verstappen with McLaren, opens up on reason behind hardships in F1 2026 season

Defending Formula 1 champion Lando Norris has admitted that McLaren’s 2026 campaign has not gone as planned. The British driver said reliability problems and missed opportunities have left the team well behind its expectations after winning both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships last year.Despite the disappointing start, Norris remains optimistic about McLaren’s future. Ahead of his home race at Silverstone, the 26-year-old said he still believes in the team and has no plans to leave. He also insisted that last year’s success makes this season’s struggles easier to accept.

Lando Norris remains loyal to McLaren despite frustrating title defence

Lando Norris believes McLaren’s difficult start to the 2026 Formula 1 season is the price the team has paid for fighting until the very end during last year’s championship-winning campaign.

Speaking to BBC, Norris also dismissed speculation linking Max Verstappen with McLaren. He said he would welcome racing alongside any top driver, including Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton or Fernando Alonso, because competing against the very best is the greatest way to measure yourself. At the same time, he praised current teammate Oscar Piastri, calling him an outstanding competitor who continues to push him every weekend.

The reigning world champion admitted the team expected much more this season. However, he explained that McLaren had to continue developing its 2025 car for longer than many of its rivals because of the close title battle. As a result, the team had less time to prepare for the new regulations introduced this year.The Briton described reliability as McLaren’s biggest problem this season. He believes the car has shown competitive pace on several weekends, but repeated technical issues and retirements have prevented the team from scoring the points it deserved.

He also pointed to the Miami Grand Prix, where McLaren lost a strong chance of victory because of strategy mistakes.Although Norris currently sits fifth in the championship standings, well behind leader Kimi Antonelli, he believes podium finishes are still possible if everything comes together perfectly over a race weekend.The 26-year-old admitted it has been frustrating not to defend his title in the way he expected.

However, winning his first world championship last season has helped him stay positive during the tougher moments. Norris also reaffirmed his long-term commitment to McLaren. He explained that while every Formula 1 driver wants to race for victories, enjoying the environment and working with people he trusts is equally important. He said he would rather remain with a team where he feels valued than move elsewhere simply for a slightly better chance of success.The British driver even suggested he could spend his entire Formula 1 career with McLaren. He praised the team for giving him his first opportunity in the sport and said he hopes they can achieve many more victories together.Looking ahead to the British Grand Prix, Norris admitted another Silverstone victory would require plenty of luck. He said racing in front of his home fans remains the most special event of the Formula 1 season.