Two-time Formula 1 world champion Mika Hakkinen has weighed in on former team McLaren's recovery from early-season struggles, saying the squad are now close to hitting the front again as Lando Norris closes in on Mercedes.
Hakkinen Praises McLaren's Hard Work
Speaking at Allwyn x McLaren Racing: Live in Athens, a demonstration event in the Greek capital organised by gaming company Allwyn, Hakkinen admitted the British team were still "working" to return their car to title-winning ways but stressed they were now close.
McLaren won last year's F1 world title but struggled to keep pace with Mercedes early in the season despite using the same power unit. By the halfway stage of 2026, the MCL40 remained winless after a series of technical glitches, including a double DNF in China.
Summer Return to Form
The summer brought a turnaround as 2025 champion Norris took pole and victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix before repeating the feat in Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix. The team were also competitive in Singapore, with Norris finishing just off the podium.
Hakkinen explained that pure pace was not the only issue, with luck also against the team in recent races. He said fine margins had cost McLaren additional wins.
Fine Margins and Technical Tweaks
Speaking exclusively to Express Sport, Hakkinen said: "It is mega what McLaren did last year." He added: "There has been a lot of hard work, a lot of people at McLaren. We are talking very minor tiny little things that are required to win and they have won already a few races this year so it is brilliant."
"I think Madrid was a good example, I think McLaren would have won that one if it wasn't with the bad luck with the safety car. It's very tiny little details. McLaren is aware of those problems and they are working on it."
McLaren introduced a tweak to the rear floor section over the summer, along with minor changes to the rear brake ducts. However, the team are still investigating a possible straight-line speed deficit on Norris's car, which the British champion says has cost him "quite a lot" in recent races.
