Lando Norris targets back-to-back F1 titles as McLaren star begins 2026 season
Lando Norris says winning his first Formula 1 world championship has only intensified his desire for more success as the British driver prepares to begin his title defence at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
The 26-year-old arrives in Melbourne carrying the No. 1 on his McLaren car after edging rivals in one of the most dramatic title races in recent Formula 1 history.
Norris secured the 2025 championship after holding off teammate Oscar Piastri and Red Bull star Max Verstappen in a tense three-way fight that was only settled at the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.
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The triumph ended a long wait for McLaren, whose last drivers’ champion had been Lewis Hamilton in 2008.
Championship success fuels Norris’ motivation
Rather than easing the pressure, Norris admits lifting the trophy has only made him want more. “I’m still just as hungry,” the Brit said ahead of the new campaign.
“You get that feeling, the same as when you win one race and immediately want another. The championship is the same. Winning one is incredible, but then you want to achieve two.”
The 2025 season began perfectly for Norris, who claimed victory in Melbourne at the opening race before eventually emerging victorious in the season-long battle with Verstappen and Piastri.
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Despite a mid-season dip in results, Norris stayed consistent enough to edge the title race by the smallest of margins. Reflecting on that campaign, he believes one key lesson was learning not to panic after setbacks.
“One of the big things I learned last year was not to get too frustrated with a bad race or a bad start to the season,” he said. “It’s a very long season, and things can always turn around if you keep working hard.”
McLaren confident despite strong rivals
Heading into the new season, rivals such as Mercedes and Red Bull Racing are widely viewed as slight favourites after strong pre-season expectations. But Norris insists McLaren remains in a strong position.
“I don’t think we’re starting on the back foot,” he said. “Even if you’re second, third or fourth quickest, that’s still a very good position to start a championship.”
The confidence reflects the remarkable rise McLaren has experienced in recent years. The team finished sixth in the constructors’ standings at the start of Formula 1’s ground-effect era, but quickly rebuilt its competitiveness. That resurgence culminated with McLaren securing the constructors’ title in 2024 before Norris added the drivers’ championship the following season.
New Regulations Reset the Grid
The 2026 campaign begins under sweeping technical changes that could reshape the competitive order. Formula 1’s latest regulations introduce lighter cars with active aerodynamics and a new generation of power units built around a 50-50 split between combustion engines and electrical energy.
The overhaul effectively resets the playing field across the grid. For Norris, that uncertainty is part of the challenge.
“I have good confidence in the team no matter what,” he said. “Everyone is starting from scratch this year, so the focus is just on getting the most out of the car and the most out of myself.”
“Hunter Mentality” Remains Key
Despite entering the season as the reigning champion, Norris insists his mindset has not changed. He continues to approach races with the mentality of chasing improvement rather than defending his crown.
“We’ve been the hunters for many years,” he explained. “But when you’re on track, you don’t really think about being the hunted or the hunter. You just focus on getting the most out of the car and the most out of yourself.”
That relentless self-criticism, he says, is central to his motivation. “I still want to improve in every area,” Norris added. “I’ll still come in and say I’ve done a bad job if I’ve done a bad job. That’s how I push myself to be better.” With the 2026 Formula 1 season about to begin, Norris’ message is clear: one title is not enough.
SportsLigue