McLaren faced a challenging start to the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, with both drivers struggling to match the pace set by the front-runners during the practice sessions. Lando Norris expressed clear frustration as the team found themselves significantly off the pace in Baku.
During the first two practice sessions, Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri were approximately 1.5 seconds slower than George Russell, who topped the timesheets in FP2. The upgraded McLaren MCL40 encountered floorboard issues in FP1, which limited running time and disrupted the team’s preparation. A temporary fix involving cable ties allowed the cars to return to the track for FP2, but the pace deficit remained notable.
The McLaren team introduced a range of upgrades for the Azerbaijan weekend, including modifications to the sidepods, engine cover, floor, diffuser, and rear suspension. Despite these changes, Chief Technical Officer Rob Marshall described the floorboard crack as a minor problem and highlighted that the team is still working on optimising the new package. Norris summed up the situation by saying the gap to the leaders felt like “a little knife in the heart” and admitted that the team was “miles off” the pace at this stage.
Norris finished FP2 in sixth place, trailing Russell by 1.484 seconds, a clear indication of the work still needed to close the gap. While confidence in the car's potential remains, Norris emphasised that pace is the primary concern for McLaren at this point. The team is focused on refining their setup and extracting more performance from the upgraded components before the next sessions.
Oscar Piastri also faced similar challenges, with both drivers unable to match the top times despite the technical updates. The floorboard issue in FP1 was a setback that limited valuable track time, but the temporary repair allowed McLaren to gather more data in FP2. The team’s technical staff continue to analyse the performance and seek improvements as the weekend progresses.
McLaren’s situation in Baku highlights the complexity of integrating multiple upgrades and the fine margins involved in Formula 1® performance. While the team has introduced significant changes to the MCL40, the initial results show that further work is required to bring the car closer to the pace of the leading teams. Norris’s candid remarks underline the gap that remains and the challenge ahead.
The early practice sessions at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix have provided a clear snapshot of McLaren’s current position in the field. The team’s focus will be on optimising the new package and addressing the issues encountered to improve competitiveness in the upcoming sessions.