F1 Champion Norris Calls 2026 McLaren No.1 Spot ‘Surreal’
Lando Norris, the reigning Formula 1 champion, expressed his feelings about the No. 1 status on his new McLaren car as “surreal.” This acknowledgment came during the team’s preseason test at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where Norris completed 77 laps with the new MCL40, securing the third-fastest time of the day.
Significance of the No. 1 Spot
Since 2026, F1 regulations allow the reigning champion to switch their car number to No. 1. Previously, Norris competed with No. 4 throughout his career. Seeing No. 1 associated with his name is a profound moment for him, marking a defining achievement in his racing life.
“I still find it unbelievable,” Norris stated, reflecting on the visual presence of No. 1 across timing screens and his racing suit. He acknowledged the honor not just for himself, but also for his team. “It’s great for the mechanics. It’s something special,” he added.
2026 F1 Season Changes
The 2026 F1 season ushers in new regulations, prompting an early start for preseason testing. Norris noted the brevity of the offseason as he transitioned into this new phase. “I wish I had one more month to celebrate,” he admitted, underscoring the challenge of balancing success with the demands of a new season.
Technical Overhaul of Cars
- Complete redesign of the cars.
- New power units with reduced downforce.
- Smaller and lighter chassis for 2026.
Norris has already experienced significant differences in performance compared to his 2025 car. “It’s a bit of a step slower in terms of cornering speeds,” he remarked. However, he noted faster acceleration, stating, “You get to 340 km/h or 350 km/h quite a bit quicker than in previous years.”
Upcoming Challenges
Even though the changes present new hurdles, Norris is eager to tackle them head-on. “It’s more challenging in many places, which is good,” he explained. The complexity of the new systems requires time to adapt, but Norris feels optimistic about the team’s abilities.
His teammate, Oscar Piastri, is scheduled to drive the MCL40 in subsequent days of testing, as McLaren continues to prepare for the upcoming season.
