Lando Norris praises Ferrari's SF-26: "Their cornering speed is unbelievable"

Following the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, McLaren's reigning world champion Lando Norris delivered a sobering assessment of his team's competitive position—and an unexpected compliment to their Italian rivals. Despite Mercedes securing victory through George Russell, Norris identified Ferrari as the possessor of Formula 1's best chassis, praising the Scuderia's "unbelievable" cornering speeds. This assertion challenges the narrative established by Mercedes' triumph at Albert Park and signals that the hypercompetitive new rules era may prove far more unpredictable than early predictions suggested.

A deficit that demands urgent attention

Ferrari's technical foundation impresses under pressure

While Mercedes ultimately claimed victory through superior strategy and execution during the Virtual Safety Car period, Ferrari demonstrated remarkable qualifying competitiveness before race day complications prevented the Scuderia from maximizing its result. What Norris observed—particularly Ferrari's superior cornering capability—likely reflects the SF-26's inherent aerodynamic or suspension characteristics rather than its power unit integration. This distinction matters considerably; Ferrari has reportedly studied their World Endurance Championship program to inform weight-saving measures for their 2026 power unit, suggesting the Italian manufacturer approached this rules transition with comprehensive preparation.

The development war begins in earnest

For McLaren, this reality demands rapid evolution. Norris emphasized that improvement cannot materialize overnight; the foundation laid during this developmental phase will determine the championship's trajectory. With the Chinese Grand Prix imminent, expect Woking to arrive in Shanghai with substantive updates as they endeavor to bridge a gap that currently appears both structural and concerning.