Why Monaco was another reality check for troubled McLaren

The 2026 Monaco Grand Prix proved to be a difficult weekend for McLaren, continuing a troubled period for the team despite earlier promise shown by Lando Norris's pole and victory in the Miami Sprint. The race coincided with McLaren's 1000th Grand Prix milestone, but the team failed to capitalise on the occasion. Monaco served as another reality check for a team that had enjoyed strong form throughout 2024 and 2025 but has since struggled to maintain that momentum.