Former drivers Karun Chandhok and Juan Pablo Montoya predict McLaren will return to form and push Mercedes at the upcoming Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
Chandhok highlighted McLaren's front wing changes after practice sessions, saying the team should see a return to its Miami performance level. He noted that McLaren had not challenged for pole in Canada or Monaco but expected a closer fight with Mercedes in Spain.
Montoya agreed that McLaren's aerodynamic package would make it Mercedes' main rival despite struggles in Monaco. He pointed to the need for the team to address its recent issues while expecting strong downforce performance on the Barcelona track.
Mercedes currently leads the constructors' championship, with Kimi Antonelli heading the drivers' standings on 156 points. McLaren sits third in the teams' classification, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris both on 58 points in the drivers' standings.
The Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix is the seventh round of the 2026 season.
