McLaren boss Andrea Stella has admitted the team's 2026 F1 season has been a "challenging" one, with the team performing below expectations. Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri failed to score points in the most recent grand prix in Canada, a major setback for the team's title ambitions.

Team Performance

• 113 Points Behind: McLaren is 113 points behind Mercedes in the Constructors' Championship after five rounds.
• Technical Issues: The team has faced various technical issues, including problems with the power unit and front wing design.
• Development Progress: Despite the challenges, Stella remains optimistic about the team's development progress and the potential for improvement in upcoming races.

Stella emphasized the team's determination to be in contention for the championship, stating, "We want the championship to be decided in Abu Dhabi. I think this is a strong determination that we have at McLaren and we want to make this happen."

Monaco Grand Prix Outlook

McLaren is hopeful for a strong performance at the Monaco Grand Prix, where the team's car is expected to be well-suited for the low-speed corners. However, Stella acknowledged that Ferrari and Mercedes may have an edge in the high-speed sections of the circuit. The team is aiming to repeat last year's success, where Lando Norris won the race after a close battle with Charles Leclerc.