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GPS data from the Austrian Grand Prix has highlighted a McLaren ‘problem’ that cost Lando Norris on every lap.
On Sunday, George Russell won the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring ahead of Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli.
It was a much-needed confidence boost for Russell as he managed to close the gap to Antonelli in the world championship standings to 40 points.
Further down the grid, it was a frustrating afternoon for reigning world champion Norris, who finished in seventh place, more than 31 seconds behind Russell.
Norris had struggled all weekend, and McLaren’s problems were laid bare around the Red Bull Ring.
Don’t hold back: how would you rate the Austrian Grand Prix?
McLaren’s straightline weakness was ‘exposed’ at the Red Bull Ring
According to The Race, it is well documented that McLaren have been struggling against their rivals in the corners.
In addition, it has been claimed that the Red Bull Ring also ‘exposed’ the MCL40’s weakness on the straights.
For example, according to GPS data, Norris was 0.389 seconds slower than Russell during qualifying, with half of that time coming on the straights.
It has been suggested that the ‘problem’ was particularly highlighted on the run down to Turn 4, where the gap between McLaren and Mercedes was as much as 5mph.
The report went on to say that there are multiple reasons behind the deficit, which include the MCL40 being ‘too draggy’, the energy deployment being ‘not fully optimised’ and gear ratios being ‘too short’.
It is believed that there is a chance to improve the gear ratios, but it has been described as ‘too complicated to commit to’ due to the potential gains that it would bring.
Your championship standings after the Austrian GP! What has this win done for George Russell’s title chances?
READ MORE: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri agree about McLaren’s 2026 car as winless run continues
So far in the 2026 Formula 1 season, it has been clear that McLaren are slightly behind their rivals, something Norris admitted would happen after two successful years in 2024 and 2025.
Norris felt that the team’s title fights in 2025 have set McLaren back ‘two months’, but was adamant that they are now ‘catching up’.
Speaking after the Austrian Grand Prix, Norris said, as per Crash: “There was nothing easy about the race today with the temperatures we had.
“I just lost out on lap one to a couple of cars, and lost out then in the pit stops with having to box Oscar first to cover Hadjar. I lost out, and that was it, really.
“So not a lot to complain of, otherwise just lost track position, and track position was the most important thing today. Unfortunate, but that’s the way it is.”
Looking ahead, the 2026 F1 season will continue this weekend with the British Grand Prix, taking place around the iconic Silverstone Circuit.
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