McLaren validates its wing, not yet its pace

Lando Norris finished FP2 fourth, 0.384s behind Russell, with Oscar Piastri sixth. Norris believes McLaren is not currently in the fight for pole: the MCL40 is losing time in corners where the team expected to be strong. Monza is a very different test from Norris’ recent wins.

The H-Wing worked as intended aerodynamically and mechanically and McLaren plans to keep it. Motorsport.com’s long-run analysis places Norris about 0.19s per lap off the reference. Overnight work will focus on energy recovery and deployment and high-speed balance; securing a strong grid position is the realistic priority.