Why McLaren must pass its Monza test before talking about an F1 title challenge
After a difficult start to the 2026 Formula 1 season – with a limited understanding of the Mercedes power unit in Australia and even a double DNS in China – McLaren now appears to be back where the Woking-based team has most often been seen in recent years: at the front of the grid. Consecutive victories in Budapest and Zandvoort have reduced Lando Norris' deficit to championship leader ... Keep…
McLaren has shown improvement in recent races, with victories in Hungary and Zandvoort reducing Lando Norris' championship deficit to Kimi Antonelli to 83 points. However, the team's management, led by chief executive Zak Stacy, is cautious about discussing an F1 title challenge. The team's focus now turns to Monza, a high-speed circuit that demands different qualities from McLaren's MCL40 compared to the previous high-downforce circuits of Zandvoort and Hungary.
McLaren's performance at Monza is crucial as it will test the car's ability to manage energy and understand the power unit, areas where McLaren lagged behind Mercedes at the start of the season. Despite these challenges, McLaren sees Monza as an important test and is confident that a good performance there would justify optimism for the remainder of the season.
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