Mercedes beware as Lando Norris puts McLaren on Sprint pole in Miami after big upgrades

Lando Norris secured Sprint pole position for McLaren at the 2026 Miami Grand Prix on Friday, May 2, after the team debuted a significant upgrade package on their MCL40 covering brake ducts, bodywork, floor, and rear wing. Norris reported feeling an immediate improvement from the first lap, giving McLaren an early warning to the currently dominant Mercedes. The session took place at the Miami International Autodrome following a four-week break in the F1 calendar, with teams given an extended 90-minute practice session to evaluate changes under the 2026 regulations.