Lando Norris Blasts McLaren Car as ‘Useless’ After Painful Qualifying

Lando Norris endures a bruising Italian GP qualifying at Monza, recording ninth fastest. He starts eighth after Kimi Antonelli’s power unit penalties, and calls McLaren’s MCL40 “useless” here.

Monza’s long straights and heavy braking expose McLaren’s drag-limited package. Norris estimates a 10 km/h straight‑line deficit to Mercedes, despite identical power units, undermining slipstream gains vital at this circuit.

The loss mainly comes on the straights, not in corners, underscoring development priorities. Norris says the team must deliver near-term updates, aligning with planned improvements this season.

Qualifying execution compounds the weakness. Oscar Piastri’s Turn 1 lock-up on the final Q3 lap reduces towing help. He initially takes third, then receives a three-place penalty for impeding.

Norris leads the Q3 pit exit queue and runs solo initially, losing tow. He estimates a one-car slipstream costs about two tenths compared to Piastri’s stronger, two-car tow.

An early brake issue also dents confidence into the chicanes. Even with a near-perfect lap, McLaren’s efficiency shortfall leaves Norris boxed in on outright speed.

From the fourth row, he targets strategy and race pace. DRS trains will form, so overtakes demand superior deployment and efficiency that McLaren currently lacks.

The weekend reinforces a structural aero concern. McLaren must trim drag without surrendering corner performance, addressing a recurring flaw in the McLaren highlighted across 2026.

The comparison with Mercedes, sharing power units, spotlights efficiency. Timing and scope of updates remain pivotal, amid upgrade concern and budget-cap trade-offs.

Norris frames Monza as painful but instructive, mirroring his recent verdict on the team’s performance, published earlier this week. Execution must improve, but development direction is the decisive lever.

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Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.