McLaren struggles in Zandvoort sprint as Norris expresses frustration
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 12:22 PM
Last updated Aug 22, 2026
Lando Norris voiced disappointment with McLaren's performance during the Dutch Grand Prix sprint race, where he finished third. Despite qualifying second and starting strong, Norris fell short of challenging race winner George Russell and lost position to Charles Leclerc mid-race. McLaren's upgrades aimed at improving rear-end performance did not translate into the needed low-speed handling, contributing to their lackluster pace. Norris emphasized the car's weaknesses as more pronounced on the Zandvoort circuit compared to previous races. He noted that improvements are necessary to compete effectively for the championship in upcoming events.
- •Norris finished third in the 24-lap sprint race at Zandvoort.
- •Lando Norris cited low-speed corner struggles as a major issue.
- •McLaren introduced upgrades focused on improving rear-end performance.
- •Norris aims to recapture championship competitiveness despite a significant point deficit.
- •The next race provides an opportunity to address performance issues.
- 12:22 PMMotorsport.com — "Nowhere near good enough" - McLaren puzzled by Dutch GP sprint struggles
- 12:18 PMYahoo Sports — Norris admits McLaren is 'nowhere near good enough' to fight for title
"Reigning world champion Lando Norris says McLaren's low-speed weaknesses meant it was "nowhere near good enough" to challenge for victory in Zandvoort's sprint race. McLaren arrived at the beach-side circuit with its latest upgrade package focusing on the rear of the car, including a new rear wing assembly, to build on the progress made by its race-winning Hungary upgrades. The first ...Keep reading
"Lando Norris gave a downbeat forecast of his Dutch Grand Prix chances after finishing third during Saturday's sprint. The reigning world champion said ahead of the weekend that he was not giving up hope of defending his title, despite starting it 91 points adrift, but bemoaned his car as "nowhere near good enough" after the 24-lap dash.
Sources
External links- Motorsport.comAug 22, 2026, 12:22 PM"Nowhere near good enough" - McLaren puzzled by Dutch GP sprint struggles
Reigning world champion Lando Norris says McLaren's low-speed weaknesses meant it was "nowhere near good enough" to challenge for victory in Zandvoort's sprint race. McLaren arrived at the beach-side circuit with its latest upgrade package focusing on the rear of the car, including a new rear wing assembly, to build on the progress made by its race-winning Hungary upgrades. The first ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsAug 22, 2026, 12:18 PMNorris admits McLaren is 'nowhere near good enough' to fight for title
Lando Norris gave a downbeat forecast of his Dutch Grand Prix chances after finishing third during Saturday's sprint. The reigning world champion said ahead of the weekend that he was not giving up hope of defending his title, despite starting it 91 points adrift, but bemoaned his car as "nowhere near good enough" after the 24-lap dash.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
F1•Aug 22, 2026, 2:08 PMTechnical updates: 2026 Dutch Grand Prix
F1•Aug 22, 2026, 1:53 PMNorris: 'Nothing we can do' on struggling McLaren
F1•Aug 22, 2026, 12:45 PMThe key to Charles Leclerc overtaking “quite slow” Lando Norris
F1•Aug 22, 2026, 12:18 PMNorris concedes McLaren ‘not quick enough’ in Zandvoort
F1•Aug 22, 2026, 11:53 AMAndrea Stella Vows to Fix McLaren’s Rear Tyre Woes After Zandvoort Sprint
F1•Aug 22, 2026, 11:45 AMF1 Dutch GP: George Russell clinches tight sprint pole ahead of Lando Norris