Former Formula 1 driver Christijan Albers has identified McLaren as possessing the strongest car in the current 2026 season. His assessment follows the recent Grand Prix in Madrid, where he observed McLaren’s consistent speed over race distances.
Albers noted that Lando Norris appears comfortable within the car, stating that each new update consistently enhances its performance. He described the car’s acceleration post-updates as ‘going like a rocket’.
Despite this inherent pace, Albers highlighted a significant challenge for McLaren: their qualifying performance. He believes that the team’s inability to secure front-row grid positions in qualifying prevents them from fully capitalising on their superior race speed.
This issue was evident in the Madrid race, where McLaren’s strong car was unable to effectively challenge for victory due to starting further down the grid. Albers explained that being stuck behind other cars, particularly Max Verstappen, makes overtaking difficult even with a faster package.
‘Norris, who really feels happy in the car. Every time there are updates, that car goes like a rocket. I think it’s just the best car,’ Albers stated. ‘Only they have to get it right on that Friday and Saturday for qualifying. Otherwise, they have a problem, because then you see what happens. Then you can have the fastest car in the field. Then you’re just bumping along at the back, because you just can’t get past Max, as you saw.’
Albers’ comments on McLaren’s execution are not new. Earlier this season, he criticised the team following a strategic error during a race that he believed cost Norris a potential victory. He stated that McLaren ‘totally threw it away with that pit stop’.
In contrast to his view on McLaren, Albers previously suggested that Red Bull Racing should shift its focus to the 2027 car development. This indicates his belief that Red Bull’s current 2026 challenger is not a championship-winning contender.
The former F1 driver found the qualifying session for the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid particularly engaging, despite characterising the race itself as ‘dull’. He praised the new circuit’s layout and aesthetic appeal.
Albers’ positive impression of the Madrid circuit, particularly its combination of corners and overall presentation, contrasted with more critical reactions from other observers, including Erik van Haren.
