Lando Norris has pushed McLaren’s 2025 F1 automobile for the primary time at Silverstone.
McLaren unveiled their all-new MCL39 on social media after it hit the observe for the primary time on Thursday afternoon.
Norris, who completed second within the 2024 F1 drivers’ championship, received the possibility to drive it first earlier than handing over to Oscar Piastri.
McLaren head into the brand new season because the reigning F1 constructors’ champions, ending 2024 with the quickest automobile.
Regardless of ending the yr strongly, McLaren have made vital adjustments to their new automobile, with Piastri hinting at “new improvements”.
Norris stated the brand new automobile “felt good” and backed up Piastri’s declare that McLaren have made a variety of adjustments for this yr.
“They’ve modified greater than you would possibly assume if you take a look at the automobile, which is a cool factor,” Norris instructed Sky Sports activities.
“You try to enhance in each space, proper? Like try to make it lighter, stronger, sooner, extra highly effective, no matter it’s. I believe each single piece on the automobile has been labored on and improved.
“Generally all of it can add as much as tiny issues however typically you discuss small margins on the identical time. It felt good. It’s good to be again within the automobile. It’s thrilling.
“First yr for all of us coming in as champions with some targets on our again. It feels good. The blokes are doing an incredible job. Good to be again.”
Norris prepared for F1 title pursuit
Norris has been extensively tipped because the favorite for the F1 title this yr, significantly as he ended 2024 with dominant wins in Singapore and Abu Dhabi.
The British driver must tidy up his racecraft, significantly towards Max Verstappen, if he’s going to turn out to be McLaren’s first drivers’ champion since Lewis Hamilton since 2008.
When requested in regards to the reality he’s the bookies’ favorite to win the title,” Norris replied: “I don’t know. I take it one step at a time. It’s a pleasant factor so I recognize all these guys and women who’re betting on me. I’m centered on this yr. I felt good after final season.
“I felt I wished to proceed after Abu Dhabi, ending on the best notice. I do know I wanted to enhance in some areas, some issues.
“I felt like I proved to myself I’ve received what it takes. If one thing clicks and you’re feeling like you are able to do it now. I’m positively not coming in with any over-confidence or an excessive amount of or conceitedness.”
