Lando Norris Feels “Surreal” with Number 1 on His McLaren F1 Car
Lando Norris, the reigning Formula 1 world champion, took to the track for the first time this year, and the feeling of seeing the number 1 on his new McLaren car was “surreal.” Norris completed 77 laps at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, setting the third fastest time of the day, and expressed his excitement about the new season.
Under F1’s regulations, the reigning champion has the option to switch their career number to the number 1 in the year after their title success. Norris, who had previously run with the number 4 during his career, said he was still coming to terms with the symbolic number being associated with his name. “I saw it actually early on the timing screen, and it’s still, I still find it, you know, just unbelievable,” he said.
New Regulations and Preseason Testing
The introduction of new regulations in F1 for 2026 means preseason testing has started a month earlier than usual, resulting in one of the shortest breaks between seasons in recent years. Norris said he would have welcomed more time to celebrate last year’s success, but was still eager to get the new season underway. “I mean, I’m excited for everything, of course,” he added.
The new regulations for 2026 have resulted in a complete overhaul of the cars, including new power units, reduced downforce, and smaller, lighter chassis. This week’s test in Spain was added to the preseason schedule to allow teams to get to grips with their new cars, and Norris said he had already noticed a big change compared to his 2025 car. “It’s pretty different,” he said. “I think it’s just, it’s a bit of a step slower in terms of cornering speeds. In terms of like acceleration and straight line speed, it probably feels quicker than it did last year.”
Looking Ahead to the New Season
Oscar Piastri is due to drive the MCL40 on Thursday in Spain before McLaren complete their week’s allocation of three days of testing on Friday. Norris said he felt good about the new season, despite the challenges posed by the new regulations. “It gives me good confidence coming into this season,” he said. “But it’s such a different, such a big challenge with all the regulations, all the changes this year, but I feel good. I’m happy.”
Norris’s excitement about the new season is shared by fans around the world, who are eagerly anticipating the first race of the 2026 F1 season. With the new regulations and the introduction of the number 1 on his car, Norris is ready to take on the challenge and defend his title. As he said, “It’s back to work and it’s like now we’ve got to try and do it all over again. So it makes me happy.”
