Lando Norris is still in the running for the 2026 Formula 1 drivers' title, even though he is trailing championship leader Kimi Antonelli by 91 points. Norris' strong win at the Hungarian Grand Prix has given his campaign a boost just as the season enters its summer break, with the Dutch Grand Prix set to continue the action on August 21. That result has raised expectations that the title chase could go right down to the wire, especially if Norris and his team can sustain the momentum they built in Hungary.
According to Sky Sports F1 analyst David Croft, Norris' success in Hungary—powered by a strategic upgrade to McLaren's car—demonstrates that the British driver still has a real shot at claiming the championship. Croft said the focus will be on whether McLaren can keep up this improved performance and consistently outpace Antonelli's Mercedes team in the remaining races, especially those where the power unit plays a significant role.
The Power Unit Challenge
McLaren has struggled to extract the most from its Mercedes power unit all season, which has been a major factor in keeping the team from regularly challenging for wins. Mercedes has used the same power unit more effectively, especially in races where engine performance is critical. However, the Hungaroring—a track where power is less of a factor—doesn't give the full picture. That said, the performance in Hungary, which mirrors that in Monaco where Mercedes won, suggests the problem could be more about driver skill or strategy, rather than a purely technical limitation.
Croft pointed out that Norris' ability to build consistent pace throughout the weekend in Hungary showed promise. It revealed that McLaren is now far more comfortable with the power unit than it was earlier in the season, and the team appears ready to challenge Mercedes more often in the second half. This hints that the gap between the two teams may begin to close as the season progresses.
The Dutch Grand Prix as a New Start
As the summer break winds down and the Dutch Grand Prix approaches, Croft is already looking forward to the action resuming. 'I don't want a three-week break; I want the racing thick and fast,' he said, showing his impatience for the championship to maintain a tighter, more competitive rhythm. Croft is hopeful the second half of the season will bring more excitement as the teams continue to develop their cars and push their limits.
Consistency will be key for Norris. Hungary was a standout win, but it's not yet clear if the same level of performance can be maintained across a variety of circuits, especially those where the power unit plays a major role. If McLaren can do that, the title fight remains wide open. The Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort will be an important test of the team's progress and Norris' ability to keep up the pressure on Antonelli.
The 2026 F1 season is on track to complete its full 23-race calendar, but concerns remain over whether the Middle East can host the final rounds amid ongoing geopolitical issues. Despite this, Sky Sports F1 commentator Bernie Collins remains optimistic that the series can adapt and ensure the championship concludes as planned. Collins argued that the teams have a chance to shift the dynamics if they can optimize their car upgrades and squeeze the most performance out of their machinery.
Collins believes the second half of the season will hinge on how quickly the teams can adapt to the evolving challenges of the cars and engines. This suggests that the title race won't just be defined by driver ability, but also by engineering excellence and strategic execution.
With 11 races already completed and 12 still to go, the second half of the season could bring significant changes. Norris' win in Hungary has done more than just narrow the gap to Antonelli—it has sparked hope that the title race is far from decided. Fans can look forward to a thrilling stretch of races that may see the momentum shift yet again, depending on how the teams perform and what strategies are employed in the coming months.