Bradley Lord admits Mercedes contributed to McLaren’s ‘difficult’ start to the 2026 season

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Bradley Lord has admitted that Mercedes have played a part in McLaren’s ‘difficult’ start to the 2026 Formula 1 season. 

Defending champions McLaren have endured a rough start to the 2026 campaign after Oscar Piastri failed to start races in Australia and China. 

During the Chinese Grand Prix weekend, Lando Norris was also forced to sit out due to a technical issue. 

In Japan, Piastri showed what he is made of, producing a brilliant performance to finish second behind Kimi Antonelli. Meanwhile, Norris came home in fifth place.

After a stuttering start to the season, McLaren are currently third in the standings with 46 points, 44 adrift of second-placed Ferrari and 89 points off leaders Mercedes.

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Bradley Lord admits Mercedes contributed to McLaren’s ‘difficult’ start to 2026

Speaking on the Nu Silver Arrows Radio Show, Mercedes deputy team principal Lord admitted that the team contributed to McLaren’s problems. 

It was noted that Piastri and Norris failed to start the Chinese Grand Prix due to an electrical issue in the power unit, which is, of course, provided by Mercedes. 

However, Lord did state that McLaren were ‘on the pace’ in Suzuka and expects a close battle when F1 returns with the Miami Grand Prix next weekend.

He said: “We want to make sure we are still at the front. It’s going to be a close battle. You know, McLaren were on the pace in Suzuka, having had a difficult start to the season, partly through the Mercedes power unit as well.

“Ferrari are right there in the mix, and we’ve seen close and intense battles with them.”

READ MORE: Bradley Lord reveals how Mercedes feel about Kimi Antonelli and George Russell fighting for F1 title

Bradley Lord speaks out on 2026 F1 regulation changes

Following a series of meetings, it was revealed earlier in the week that multiple changes will be made to the 2026 F1 regulations.

The tweaks have been brought in to address driveability and safety concerns that were originally raised by the drivers.

Reacting to the changes, Lord hopes that it will allow the drivers to produce good racing and overtaking.

He said: “We are hoping that what we have done with the other teams, with the FIA and with F1, will mean that some of the complaints and the criticism have been addressed.

“I think what’s on the table is not quite yet finally decided, but what’s on the table goes in a really good direction to preserve what’s important about these cars, this ruleset and the intentions of the rules.

“Helps to change some of the things that are a bit counterintuitive for the drivers, in qualifying, in particular, but still maintain the really good racing that we have seen so far this year. The overtaking, the sort of Yo-yo overtaking that people really enjoy.”