Lando Norris Reflects on 'Special Moment' of Running #1 as McLaren Eyes Improvement

Lando Norris described running the #1 on his McLaren during the Barcelona test as a "special moment" for the team, which has already pinpointed key areas for development after a mixed week of running. The reigning world champion completed 163 laps on the final day, setting the third-fastest time of the test overall.

Why it matters:

The #1 is a powerful symbol in Formula 1, reserved for the reigning world champion's team. Norris carrying it is a visual testament to McLaren's return to the top and adds a new layer of expectation. The team's immediate focus on identifying weaknesses, even after a strong final day, underscores the relentless development race that defines the modern F1 era.

The Details:

• McLaren's test week was disrupted, opting not to run until Wednesday and then losing an entire afternoon of running on Thursday due to a fuel system issue on Oscar Piastri's car.
• Norris emphasized the test was a "valuable day of learning" and praised the team's hard work in recovering the program.
• The team has identified specific "opportunities and areas to improve" before the next test in Bahrain, with work continuing in the simulator.
• Norris noted the 2024 cars "require a new way of thinking and driving," highlighting the adaptation needed even for the champion team.

What's next:

The focus shifts from track data to factory analysis. McLaren will use the time before the Bahrain test to analyze the Barcelona data and work on the identified improvements in Woking. Norris and the team will also conduct simulator work to further adapt to the car's characteristics, aiming to be better prepared for the season opener.