McLaren is expected to introduce a major update package for the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, as it prepares to launch a challenge to Mercedes in 2026 to retain the world titles.
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McLaren saw a resurgence in form at Suzuka, after a difficult start to the 2026 season for the reigning constructors’ champions and the reigning drivers’ world champion, Lando Norris.
Oscar Piastri qualified third, after being prevented from starting the first two races, taking the lead and holding it until the pit stops. The Australian eventually finished the race in second place.
Still far from the Silver Arrows
The MCL40 showed some promising signs during the race, but it still remains below the ultimate pace of the dominant Mercedes package, which won the first three races of 2026.
However, Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft believes that the forced break before the Grand Prix de Miami will allow McLaren to catch up, with a substantial update planned to close the gap: “I think McLaren has a huge update planned for Miami thanks to the extended break, which they are already very happy with in terms of the numbers obtained from the simulator. “
A lost victory for McLaren in Japan?
Croft reiterated the widely held opinion that Piastri could have won the Japanese Grand Prix, were it not for the deployment of the Safety Car after the horrific crash of Oliver Bearman at Spoon Curve.
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“Oscar Piastri could have won in Japan, in fact, without the Safety Car, he said. And I know Kimi’s pace before the neutralization was lightning fast, but he still had to fight his way through the field and make some overtakes. Oscar had track position, and I think, if he had held that position, he could have won.”
Can McLaren catch Mercedes?
Croft’s analysis of McLaren gives hope to neutral spectators in the face of Mercedes’ dominance, a perspective that is not without foundation.
McLaren has already proven in the past that it can emerge from a difficult situation through development, transforming its situation in 2023 with a series of update packages that allowed it to aim for the titles in 2024 and 2025.
All eyes will be on McLaren in Miami to see if the extra time offered by the cancellation of the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will allow for a quick revival, or if Mercedes is too far ahead to be caught.
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