Baku 2026: Norris explains McLaren speed loss

News - 2026-09-27 - By Jenny Marsh

Lando Norris said McLaren were off the pace in Baku, while reports from Formula1.com, Autosport and Motorsport.com linked it to a top-speed issue.

Lando Norris said McLaren were off the pace after Friday practice at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, according to BBC Sport. Formula1.com also reported that team principal Andrea Stella explained why McLaren’s performance was limited in Baku.

Autosport and Motorsport.com reported that a technical problem on Norris’ McLaren reduced its straight-line speed in qualifying. Both outlets said Norris qualified fifth, about three tenths down, after outqualifying Oscar Piastri 9-1 over the previous 10 sessions.

The setback carried weight in the 2026 standings. Norris went into the event fourth in the drivers’ championship on 186 points, and the McLaren driver has 11 wins and 16 pole positions from 161 Formula 1 Grands Prix.

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Sources

How Baku highlighted McLaren’s straight line weakness - Formula1.com
McLaren miles off pace in Baku practice - Norris - BBC Sport
What’s behind Norris’ top-speed issue in Baku – and why McLaren itself is down on Mercedes - Autosport