McLaren “in the place we need to be” after second row lock-out for 2026 Canadian Grand Prix

McLaren seem to have made progress in their performance over their closest rivals, Ferrari | Credit: Formula One

After an impressive showing in sprint qualifying and the sprint, with Lando Norris taking P2 and splitting the two Mercedes, McLaren continued their good form in Montreal with a second row lock-out ahead of Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix. 

Reigning world champion Norris, who out-qualified his teammate for a second time this weekend, noted that Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a “difficult track to put everything together perfectly”. He also praised the team for the second part of the upgrade package, noting that as a collective “we did a good job out there”. 

When asked about the potential for the McLarens to fight the Silver Arrows out ahead, the 11 time Grand Prix winner erred on the side of caution with his response. He stated “we’ll wait and see”; Norris is currently the only non-Mercedes pole sitter and race winner in any format after beating Kimi Antonelli and George Russell in Miami’s sprint. 

Norris was able to pass Antonelli to finish in the runner's up spot in the inaugural Canadian sprint | Credit: Formula One

Oscar Piastri, echoing the sentiments of his teammate, praised the work of the team back at the factory and noted their chances in the changing weather conditions expected on Sunday. Speaking about the team, Piastri noted that “I think we’re a bit closer” to bridging the gap between themselves and Mercedes with their new upgrades. 

Looking to be on the backfoot compared to his teammate, a trend that has continued since Miami, the Australian driver is set to line-up in fourth for Sunday’s Grand Prix. Discussing his chances against the Silver Arrows ahead for a potential podium or race win, Piastri was clear that even with the new upgrades “we don’t have the ultimate pace of the Mercedes still”.

As a Mercedes customer team, McLaren no doubt benefit from the pace of the Mercedes engine however it’s a widely known fact that the most up to date information tends to make its way to customer teams with a slight delay. Considering the gaps between the two teams in qualifying were under one-tenth on average, it no doubt sets the Woking-based team in good stead to continue making gains on the Brackley-based team. 

While the weather certainly gives a chance for the Papaya drivers to maximise their chances at jumping Mercedes on the start, Piastri was also realistic that the run to Turn 1 in Montreal is “not the same opportunity” as it is on other circuits on the calendar. 

Ultimately, Piastri acknowledged that “we’re definitely able to put a bit more pressure” on the current world championship leaders however the reigning world champions are “closer but not quite enough”. With these comments following Team Principal Andrea Stella’s perspective that McLaren can keep hope to defend their World Constructors’ Championship title in 2026, the opportunity remains possible for the Papaya team. 

Since the introduction of their upgrade package in Miami last time out, the MCL40 has certainly made a step forward in their performance. Paired with the skills of their driver line-up and the opportunity that mixed weather conditions can offer, there can be no doubt that Norris and Piastri will give their all to return to the top step.