By Graham Duxbury @TheRealDux

McLaren’s two victories in succession have transformed the competitive landscape in Formula One, but the Papaya team should be wary of complacency.

Lando Norris’s recent successes, following McLaren’s development gains in Hungary and Zandvoort, have exposed small vulnerabilities in what has been a remarkably strong Mercedes package this year.

Norris’s Zandvoort victory was particularly significant, coming after he had taken pole and then beaten championship leader Kimi Antonelli in the closing stages.

Yet Mercedes is far from beaten in 2026. The Silver Arrows have been managing their development programme carefully under the cost cap, with substantial upgrades anticipated.

Mercedes is expected to focus heavily on aerodynamic efficiency and energy management improvements in the coming races, beginning at Monza in two weeks’ time.

More significantly, the power-unit situation adds another dimension. Mercedes gave George Russell a new engine in Hungary and now Antonelli will receive a fresh unit for his home race. The moves are designed to protect Mercedes’ championship campaign by maximising power unit performance and reliability for both drivers for the remaining races.

McLaren therefore faces a crucial test. Its recent resurgence is genuine, but Mercedes’ forthcoming aerodynamic and power-unit developments could swing the pendulum back towards the Silver Arrows just as the championship enters a decisive phase.