Lando Norris: Mercedes power surge boosts Belgian GP pace

Lando Norris says Mercedes-powered cars have turned up their power units at the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix, narrowing the gap to Red Bull and Ferrari after a strong FP2 performance. The McLaren driver finished second in Friday's second practice session, just 0.19 seconds behind Kimi Antonelli's fastest lap.

What happened in Belgian GP practice?

Norris and McLaren struggled in FP1, with the team facing garage delays and finishing nearly half a second off the pace. However, they rebounded in FP2, with Norris securing second place behind Antonelli. The British driver noted the team made improvements between sessions but cautioned against over-optimism, as Red Bull typically saves its best performance for qualifying.

Why it matters for Lando Norris

The power unit boost gives Norris and McLaren a much-needed advantage at Spa-Francorchamps, a track where engine performance is crucial. While he believes they're still the fourth-fastest team, the upgrade could help them challenge for podium positions. Norris also praised McLaren's new rear wing, which showed promise in its debut.

What comes next for McLaren?

McLaren's technical director Neil Houldey said the team will focus on optimizing deployment and setup overnight. They'll simulate different strategies for FP3, hoping to build on their FP2 momentum. Norris remains cautious, expecting Red Bull to be quicker in qualifying, but the power unit upgrade gives McLaren a fighting chance in the race.