Formula One 2026: team-by-team guide to the cars and drivers

"After sealing his first title last year, Norris is enjoying a confidence in his own abilities like never before. Has stressed the need to prove himself in winning the title and having done so, especially after such a fearsome fight, is buoyant, fired up for a title defence and can be expected to push McLaren hard for the tools to do so."

"Struggled throughout the previous ground-effect era but now enter the new regulations as pre-season favourites. The car is quick, well-balanced and most importantly performing exactly as prescribed with the engine positively throbbing."

"Enter this year a little off the front but in a season likely to be marked by a fierce development battle, will expect to exploit their huge strengths in bringing the car on with alacrity and be in the mix in no short order."

McLaren secured both constructors' and drivers' championships last season, with Lando Norris winning his first title after a competitive fight. Norris enters this season with renewed confidence and determination to defend his title, while teammate Oscar Piastri, who dominated early last season before fading, is determined to bounce back stronger. Mercedes struggled in the previous ground-effect era but now enters the new regulations as pre-season favorites with a quick, well-balanced car performing as designed. Both teams are positioned for a fierce development battle throughout the season, with McLaren expected to exploit their strengths in car development while Mercedes aims to capitalize on their current performance advantage.

Read at www.theguardian.com