Lando Norris Describes 'Pretty Different' Feel of New McLaren MCL40 in Pre-Season Testing

Lando Norris completed his first laps in the new McLaren MCL40 during private testing in Barcelona, describing the car as feeling "pretty different" but still "powerful" and fundamentally like a Formula 1 car. The British driver noted a significant change in acceleration and straight-line speed, alongside a learning curve with the new hybrid power unit.

Why it matters:

Norris's initial feedback provides the first real-world glimpse into the performance characteristics of F1's new generation of cars. His comments on the car being "a bit more of a challenge" and the complexity of managing the new power unit highlight the significant adaptation required from drivers and teams, setting the stage for a season where mastering these new systems could be the key differentiator.

The details:

• Norris finally drove the MCL40 on the third day of a five-day private test at the Circuit de Catalunya, after delays in the car's build.
• He completed 76 laps, with a best time of 1:18.307s, roughly a second off the week's benchmark set by Mercedes' George Russell.
• The driver cited a noticeable improvement in acceleration and straight-line speed, reaching 340-350 kph "quite a bit quicker" than in previous years.
• Cornering speeds, however, feel a step slower, contributing to the different overall feel.
• Norris emphasized the complexity of the new 50-50 combustion-electric power unit, stating it requires time to understand the best way to "manage it" and "use it."

What's next:

This Barcelona test is just the first step in a long development process. Norris acknowledged that conditions in Spain are very different from those the team will face at the official pre-season test in Bahrain in February and at the season opener in Melbourne.

• The immediate goal is to gather as much data as possible in varying conditions.
• The focus will be on understanding the new power unit's management and optimizing the car's performance around its revised balance of straight-line speed and cornering capability before the competitive season begins.