Lando Norris has expressed caution regarding McLaren’s performance at Spa-Francorchamps, despite securing the second-fastest time in Friday’s Free Practice 2 session. The British driver finished behind Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli but ahead of Max Verstappen.
Norris downplayed the result, suggesting McLaren remains the ‘fourth fastest’ car on the grid. He anticipates Red Bull will demonstrate significantly stronger pace during Saturday’s sessions.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen topped the earlier Free Practice 1 session, indicating their potential. Verstappen led Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in FP1.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished fifth in FP1 but experienced a hydraulic issue late in the session. He was also delayed in FP2 due to a hydraulic leak.
Norris will face a 10-place grid penalty for Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix. This penalty is due to exceeding the permitted number of power electronics units (PEU) for his car.
McLaren opted to introduce the new PEU at Spa, a circuit chosen for its relatively higher overtaking opportunities. This component is part of Mercedes’ latest engine specification.
The works Mercedes team had already introduced this updated power unit specification three weeks prior, at the Austrian Grand Prix. McLaren has been running an older version.
Red Bull Racing has also made technical adjustments for the Belgian Grand Prix. The team confirmed a return to an older specification rear wing.
This decision follows recent accidents involving Max Verstappen at Austria and Silverstone. Post-Silverstone tests revealed an issue with their previous rear wing design.
The 2026 season has presented challenges for both teams. McLaren, the reigning Drivers’ and Constructors’ champions from 2025, has struggled to match Mercedes’ pace.
Red Bull has also endured a difficult start to the season under new regulations and with their new Ford Powertrains engine. They currently sit sixth in the Constructors’ standings.
Max Verstappen has previously voiced dissatisfaction with the car’s handling, describing it as ‘undrivable’ at times earlier in the season.
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli leads the Drivers’ Championship by 25 points. Mercedes has won eight of the ten Grands Prix held so far this season.
‘Red Bull don’t normally turn up on Friday, so we’re going to get two [cars in the mix] tomorrow, they’ll be just as quick or if not quicker, so let’s wait and see,’ Norris stated.
Norris added that McLaren’s strong Friday showing might be an anomaly, suggesting other teams did not fully reveal their pace.
