Is McLaren now a legitimate threat to Mercedes and Ferrari in F1 2026?

McLaren introduced a significant new floor upgrade at the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix, which proved highly effective at the high-downforce Hungaroring circuit. Lando Norris converted pole position into McLaren's first grand prix victory of the 2026 campaign, with the team also on course for a potential 1-2 finish with Oscar Piastri. The result has elevated McLaren into contention in what has become a tightly fought development battle with Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull.