Former driver Karun Chandhok says McLaren must now target wins in the rest of 2026 and prepare for the following season after falling behind rivals.
Karun Chandhok stated on the Sky Sports F1 Show that McLaren has not kept pace in the 2026 development race. The team entered the season as back-to-back constructors' champions with Lando Norris as reigning drivers' champion, yet its results place it outside the title fight.
Chandhok noted that the gap to leader Kimi Antonelli has grown too large for a realistic defence. He said McLaren's goal now is to secure victories where possible and gather knowledge ahead of 2027.
McLaren sits third in the constructors' standings on 195 points, 90 behind Ferrari and 163 behind Mercedes. Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri are fifth and sixth in the drivers' championship with 103 and 92 points.
Chandhok added that the team must bank results and insights in the remaining races to start 2027 strongly.
