How McLarens gearbox could give Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris an edge over Mercedes drivers
3 minute readPublished: Friday, February 27, 2026 at 9:35 am
McLaren's Gearbox Could Be Key to Challenging Mercedes in 2026
McLaren, despite using Mercedes engines, is generating buzz as a potential challenger to the dominant Silver Arrows in the upcoming 2026 season. Lando Norris, the reigning world champion, and his teammate Oscar Piastri are poised to benefit from a strong car design, potentially challenging Mercedes drivers George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
McLaren's recent success, including back-to-back constructors' titles, has fueled expectations. While teams like Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull are often favored due to their factory status, McLaren's performance during testing has raised eyebrows. Despite using a lower-spec engine and having less testing time than Mercedes, McLaren's car design, spearheaded by Rob Marshall and Peter Prodromou, is drawing praise.
The team's aerodynamic package is reportedly superior to Mercedes, and the gearbox is seen as a potential game-changer. Experts suggest that McLaren's gearbox could provide a significant advantage, particularly in starting procedures and downshifting.
However, concerns have emerged regarding the car's weight. The FIA has reduced the minimum weight limit, and McLaren is reportedly slightly overweight. The team is working to shed weight and reach the 768kg minimum. Any excess weight early in the season could impact lap times and grid positions.
BNN's Perspective: McLaren's potential to challenge Mercedes is an exciting development for the sport. While the weight issue is a concern, the team's strong design and gearbox innovation suggest they could be a serious contender. It will be interesting to see if McLaren can capitalize on its strengths and maintain its momentum throughout the season.
Keywords: McLaren, Mercedes, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Gearbox, Aerodynamics, 2026 Season, Formula 1, Weight, Constructors Title, George Russell, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Rob Marshall, Peter Prodromou, FIA, Testing.