McLaren boss Andrea Stella has admitted the team have been “below our expectations” after a “challenging” first part of the 2026 Formula 1 season.For the second grand prix this year, both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri failed to score points last time out in Canada in a major blow to their title ambitions and McLaren’s Constructors’ Championship defence.
Mercedes have won the five grands prix this season to lead Ferrari by 72 points and McLaren by 113 points ahead of this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, live on Sky Sports F1.
“The start of the season has been challenging. We have had issues of a different kind,” said Stella.”If you think the first race, we had the issues with Oscar in the laps to the grid, then China [with a double DNS], it was a painful one with a problem on the electrical side of the power unit.
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Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri discuss what happened after both McLarens failed to start the Chinese Grand Prix due to electrical issues
“In Canada, we had issues pretty much in all areas of racing. From the sporting and racing side to reliability and an accident, so there’s definitely lots to take away and review.
“At the same time, there’s encouraging indication in terms of the development of the car and how much we are learning in terms of power-unit exploitation.
“It’s definitely below what would have been our expectation, to be in contention for the championship.”
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Norris crosses the line and wins the Miami Grand Prix Sprint, with Piastri coming second
McLaren had been on an upward trajectory after challenging Mercedes for victory in Japan and Miami, with Norris winning the sprint from Piastri at the latter.Over the last three years, McLaren have been the benchmark when it comes to development but the front wing they brought to Canada was taken off the car following practice, suggesting it did not work as expected.Norris has since confirmed the front wing will be reintroduced either in Monaco, or at the more conventional track at the…
2026-06-02 14:00:00
