# McLaren Clarifies Norris Straightline Speed Issue

> McLaren explains Lando Norris' recurring straightline speed deficit in qualifying after Bahrain GP.
- Title: McLaren Clarifies Norris Straightline Speed Issue · Autosport
- Summary: McLaren explains Lando Norris' recurring straightline speed deficit in qualifying after Bahrain GP. McLaren reports Lando Norris' power unit lacks…
- Keywords: mclaren, lando norris, bahrain gp, formula 1, mercedes power unit, straightline speed, qualifying, sports, cars, Clarifies, Norris, Straightline
- Source: Autosport — https://autosport.com/f1/news/mclaren-explains-recurring-norris-straightline-speed-issue-after-bahrain-gp-qualifying/10861561
- Author: Jake Boxall-Legge
- Published: 2026-10-03T12:49:40+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mclaren, lando norris, bahrain gp, formula 1, mercedes power unit, straightline speed, qualifying, sports, cars
## McLaren explains Norris straightline speed issue
Lando Norris' lack of straightline speed at the end of straights affected his performance in Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying and resurfaced in Malaysia.
## Norris reports straightline speed deficit
Norris confirmed he is slower at the end of every straight, causing a consistent lap time loss during qualifying.

> I'm just down on every single straight, so every time I get a good exit, I'm just slower at the end of the straight. It just hurts seeing this every single time.
## Stella explains power unit issue
McLaren's Andrea Stella identified a lack of straightline speed in Norris' Mercedes power unit, costing between 0.1-0.2s per lap.
## Quantifying the speed deficit
The deficit translates to 1-2 km/h, causing a lap time loss of 0.1-0.2 seconds per lap in qualifying.
## Stella clarifies power unit causes
The issue may stem from power unit deployment, chassis dynamics, or aerodynamic drag, not directly from the power unit.
## Next steps for McLaren
McLaren will implement changes for Singapore Grand Prix but cannot address the issue before that event.
## Key takeaway

McLaren reports Lando Norris' power unit lacks straightline speed, costing him 0.1-0.2s per lap in Bahrain GP qualifying.