The defending Formula 1 champions are officially back in the fight—and they want Mercedes to know it.

Let's be honest, the start of the 2026 season hasn't been the victory lap McLaren envisioned. As the reigning Constructors' Champions with Lando Norris defending his Drivers' title, the Woking squad stumbled out of the gate. The early races were rough, and the disaster at the Chinese Grand Prix—where both Norris and Oscar Piastri failed to start—only added salt to the wound.

Fans and media alike began questioning whether McLaren could defend their crowns as Mercedes and their rookie sensation, Kimi Antonelli, dominated the opening rounds. But following a massive resurgence at the Miami Grand Prix, McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella has officially put the paddock on notice: the champions are still very much in this fight.

Miami served as the proving ground for the first major upgrade package to the MCL40, and the results were immediate. Norris commanded the sprint race, securing a victory before joining Piastri for a double podium on Sunday—finishing P2 and P3 behind Antonelli. While Stella remains measured about their current position, his post-race comments make McLaren's 2026 intentions crystal clear.

Stella isn't interested in moral victories. Despite sitting third in the standings, he made it clear the goal hasn't shifted despite the early-season drama. "We have just delivered our first upgrade, we are in Miami, and McLaren looks like they traditionally have done very well in Miami, so it could be that the way we develop our cars kind of suits this circuit, so we will have to see more," Stella pointed out.

At the same time, the McLaren boss didn't shy away from the fact that this development war is just beginning. "But at the same time, because it's only the fourth race and we have scored a good chunk of points even compared to Mercedes, we know that we can further develop our car," he stated. "We have said already before Miami that the championship is not a sign-off, so our logic is to look at the long term, try and defend the championship… definitely we want to defend the championship."

For fans who love the drama of a title fight, this is exactly what makes Formula 1 so compelling. And for those who want to show their support, there's no better time to gear up in McLaren colors—because if Miami was any indication, this championship battle is far from over.