McLaren believes its 2026 F1 car has lost the tyre temperature management edge that helped it win the title last year. Lando Norris notes that the team is no longer the class leader in this area, with Mercedes now setting the benchmark.
The team's inability to carry over this advantage is attributed to the new design concept and reduced downforce, among other factors. Team boss Andrea Stella acknowledges that temperature control is not as in hand as it was 12 months ago.
The loss of this advantage is expected to limit McLaren's opportunities to challenge Ferrari and Mercedes in the upcoming Barcelona GP, with Norris and Oscar Piastri aware that they will have to be cautious not to overpush and overheat their tyres.
