Lando Norris warns against premature test comparisons after the first shakedown – he sees progress in the reliability and driving feel of the new 2026 car
Lando Norris is preparing for the new season as the reigning Formula 1 world champion and has drawn positive conclusions after the first test drives with the new McLaren. During the first shakedown in Barcelona, the team from Woking collected important data, especially on reliability.
Despite the usual temptation to compare lap times with the competition, Norris warns against overestimating test results. For him, another point is currently more important: the new car feels fast and easy to drive.
After three intensive days of testing, Norris’s main focus was on understanding the new car.
Especially in the early stages with new rules, it’s less about setting the fastest times and more about laying the groundwork. Nevertheless, the Brit knows how difficult it is not to directly compare his own performance with others.
Focus on reliability for McLaren
“It’s so easy to get lost in comparisons, simply because we’re all competitive. You always want to see yourself in a good light and feel like you can be fast,“ Norris explained to F1.com after the Barcelona shakedown. ”But I think we understood a lot—both when driving with little fuel, with a lot of fuel, and with the tires,” Norris continued.
A key focus of the tests was the technical reliability of all systems. Sensors, the drive unit, and the transmission were the main focus in order to identify any potential weak points at an early stage. Norris saw this as the main purpose of the trip to Barcelona.
“Basically, we did exactly what we came here to do: understand the car, especially from a reliability perspective. Making sure that all the sensors are working, the power unit, the transmission, and whatever else is involved.“
Norris: ”Feels like a race car”
This could make all the difference, especially in a long season. Accordingly, the team will now evaluate the data in detail and derive further improvements.
“It’s about making sure that everything works as we expect it to,” emphasizes Norris. “Because reliability is one of the most important things. Much of this relates to this area, and we will continue to analyze, improve, and optimize many aspects within the team over the coming days and weeks.” Norris also used the test days to personally develop a complete feel for the car again. Minor adjustments to his setup are still necessary, but overall, his first impression is positive. “I still have a few minor things to adjust here and there, but otherwise it still feels like a race car—still fast and still a lot of fun to drive,” says the world champion.
McLaren will unveil the final livery of its 2026 car at a launch event in Bahrain this Monday (February 9). This will be followed by further official test drives in Bahrain (February 11 to 13 and 18 to 20). The season finally kicks off at the Australian Grand Prix in early March.