Lando Norris says McLaren’s recent upturn—not just car upgrades—gives him confidence they can stay front-runners in the second half of the 2026 season. Speaking ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, the McLaren driver cited the team’s collective mindset as the “biggest factor” behind his optimism, even as he cautioned against overconfidence after their Hungary victory.
Norris acknowledged the MCL40’s performance gains but stressed the need to fully understand the upgrades tested in Budapest. He noted the car’s strengths and weaknesses remain under review, though Sunday’s win suggested a step forward. The Dutch circuit’s cooler conditions and mixed characteristics add another variable to assess this weekend.
McLaren’s leadership, including Andrea Stella and Zak Brown, and the team’s recent achievements underpin Norris’s belief. He framed the second half as a chance to fight for titles, provided he maintains his current form. The Dutch GP marks the start of that push.
