Lando Norris assesses championship prospects ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 10, 2026, 7:34 PM
Last updated Sep 10, 2026
Formula 1 driver Lando Norris addressed his 2026 title chances during media availability in Madrid on Thursday. Ahead of this weekend's inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the new street circuit, the McLaren driver acknowledged he remains 96 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli. Norris pointed to Mercedes driver George Russell as the primary challenger to Antonelli due to the comparative performance of their cars. While McLaren secured consecutive race wins in Budapest and Zandvoort, Norris stated the vehicle lacks consistent pace across all track types. The field faces a new challenge in Madrid with an unfamiliar layout featuring significant elevation changes and high-speed cornering sections.
- •Lando Norris enters the Spanish Grand Prix 96 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli.
- •George Russell currently holds second place in the drivers' standings, 66 points behind Antonelli.
- •Drivers will compete on a new street circuit in Madrid for the first time this weekend.
- •McLaren finished fourth and fifth at the previous race in Monza.
- 6:00 AMYahoo Sports — Norris concedes title defense: 'I wish George the best in trying to fight Kimi'
"Lando Norris has conceded ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid that his McLaren is not good enough everywhere for him to retain his Formula 1 title. The reigning world champion pointed to George Russell, not himself, as the driver best placed to challenge championship leader Kimi Antonelli.
"Speaking ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, Lando Norris believes his McLaren is not good enough everywhere to challenge for this year's title.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 11, 2026, 6:00 AMNorris concedes title defense: 'I wish George the best in trying to fight Kimi'
Lando Norris has conceded ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid that his McLaren is not good enough everywhere for him to retain his Formula 1 title. The reigning world champion pointed to George Russell, not himself, as the driver best placed to challenge championship leader Kimi Antonelli.
- Formula1.com—Norris assesses title chances compared to Mercedes duo
Speaking ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, Lando Norris believes his McLaren is not good enough everywhere to challenge for this year's title.
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