One thing’s for sure; momentum is on McLaren’s side going into 2026. After claiming both the Constructors’ Championship title and the Drivers’ Championship in 2025, McLaren proved they are championship standard. They can win, and they have. They go into the 2026 Formula 1 season as the reigning champions of all competitions, a fact they know and can use to their advantage. The positive psychological effect of this will impact the team. They know they can win, and have faith that they can again.
Both drivers brought wins back for the team. With Max Verstappen for company, the two McLaren drivers led the title fight. The two battled for first and second place frequently. This continued until Verstappen’s charge late in the season. The drivers, and their team, have proven time and time again that winning can be done at McLaren.
What a Pair
Quite the duo, Piastri and Norris are winners. Last season, they took it to new levels, with Norris taking the championship. Piastri should not be discounted as he is still very early in his career. To be a title contender already was impressive.
Saying this, last year did see both drivers make many mistakes. Crashes and bad qualifying sessions showed that the pressure of title contention affected the pairing. Fighting with the best is challenging, even if you are one of the best. This was obviously the case at McLaren. If the pressure mounts again, going in as the reigning champions, it is possible they may falter.
Regulations Bring Uncertainty in 2026
The new regulations provide all teams, including McLaren, with a clean slate going into the season. However, they also bring great uncertainty. As 2025 approached, it was widely accepted that McLaren had the fastest car. Thus, they were expected to be the quickest. However, this year, no one knows quite yet who will be the best.
Will Mercedes get back to winning ways, hitting the new regulations on the head? Will a previously midfield team stun the paddock? Only time will tell.
Hungry for More
Many were excited at having a first time champion last year, but will 2026 provide another? The obvious choice is McLaren’s Piastri, who for a while seemed a shoe in for glory in 2025 and can only improve after 2025’s efforts. It didn’t pan out for him then, but perhaps 2026 will be his year.
Away from McLaren, many are eager to prove they are the best of the best.
Charles Leclerc at Ferrari remains one of Formula 1’s fastest drivers without a title. Mistakes, both by himself and the team, have made a proper championship campaign unrealistic in years passed. Leclerc has spoken many times about his personal ambition for a title. He also discusses the ambition of the Ferrari team to bring the championship back to Italy. He wants to be the one to do it. However, he has yet to prove that he has what it takes over a full season.
George Russell, who entered F1 at the same time as Norris, has been patiently waiting his turn. Joining Mercedes just after their championship dominace must not have been fun. He has been Mercedes’ project for many years. He continues to be the future of the team, leading them towards their goal of winning again.
Newer drivers could also shine under new regulations. Will one of last year’s rookies take home the title?
There’s No I in Team
Team orders, and the overall team dynamic at McLaren was a hot topic throughout last season. 2026 may have a similar theme if the team has not sorted out issues. Papaya rules proved inconsistent and manufactured more fall out than they prevented. It seemed like quite a flawed system for many fans. The media debated it constantly. Comments in interviews suggested frustration from the drivers at these internal rules. In a closer championship battle, McLaren may be forced to pick one driver. This is something they were reluctant to do in 2025. This would clearly cause issues for the team. Could it mean they lose out in 2026?
Featured image credit: autoracing1.com
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