Anthony Davidson believes Max Verstappen’s 2025 ‘resurgence’ proves McLaren can still win the title

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Max Verstappen’s 2025 ‘resurgence’ should show that McLaren still have a chance at the 2026 title.

After dominating the 2025 Formula 1 season, McLaren got off to a difficult start to the year in the 2026 Australian Grand Prix.

In the opening race of the season, Oscar Piastri failed to start as he crashed during the sighting lap, and reigning Formula 1 champion Lando Norris missed out on the podium as he finished in fifth place.

With rival constructor Mercedes finishing in first and second, there have been discussions that have ruled McLaren out of the title race and that Mercedes have already claimed the title after only a race.

Who will be McLaren’s top driver in 2026 – Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri? 🤔

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Anthony Davidson backs McLaren to fight back in 2026

During Paddock Uncut ahead of the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix, Anthony Davidson discussed how McLaren should not lose hope of fighting for the title.

The former Formula 1 driver believes McLaren should look at Max Verstappen’s 2025 performances for inspiration for the 2026 season as they continue to develop their car.

Davidson said, “Absolutely not, no way. All you have to do is listen to Max Verstappen bemoaning that he did not have any hope of winning the championship last year, what was it around Barcelona time, or just after.

“Look at his resurgence, and that was at the end of a set of regulations that he made those improvements. This is completely open, and whoever develops their car the best will win this championship.

“McLaren have proven themselves over the last couple of years to be able to come up with some serious upgrades. This is just the beginning, and I think that is what George [Russell] was alluding to in his interview.”

McLaren are struggling with a chassis issue in 2026

In recent years McLaren have been praised for the performance of their chassis, leading to being labelled as the ‘chassis kings’.

However, at the opening race of the year, Sky Sports reporter Ted Kravitz noted that McLaren’s 2026 car has less downforce than their rivals Mercedes.

Kravitz said, “I am quite perplexed as to whether McLaren, chassis kings of the last two years, inherently a car with less downforce than Mercedes, if so how has that happened, or if it is the advantage of being a works team.”

It was also noted by Andrea Stella that McLaren must look at finding a way to gain more grip, before they look at understanding their Mercedes power unit.