McLaren’s Lando Norris says he’s done all the preparation he can as he gears up to make his Formula 1 debut this weekend in Australia.
The 19 year old Briton, who finished as runner-up in last season’s Formula 2 Championship, makes the step up to Formula 1 this weekend. Signed up by McLaren as a race driver, he will be racing alongside the experienced Carlos Sainz.
Speaking as part of his Grand Prix preview, Norris said the two weeks of pre-season testing were invaluable preparation for the step up: “This weekend marks the start of an important new chapter in my career. I’m excited to be making my Formula 1 debut and ready for the challenges that lie ahead.”
“There are plenty of new procedures for me to get used to as I step up from F2, so the two weeks at pre-season testing were valuable as they allowed me to fully prepare for this weekend.”
Speaking on the final day of testing in Spain, he said he was heading back to the team’s base in Woking to work with engineers. Having now completed that and heading to Australia, he said he now ‘feels ready’ to make his debut: “Since leaving Barcelona, I’ve spent a lot of time working with engineers and making my final preparations before taking to the track in Melbourne. I feel ready and I’m looking forward to working with Carlos and the team as we take on the 2019 season together.”
Having never been to Australia before, Norris says he has to learn how to drive the Albert Park Circuit in real life: “This will be my first-time visiting Australia, so it’ll be cool to see a new country. I’ve spent a lot of time preparing for the race in the simulator back at the factory; there are a few new circuits for me to learn this year.”
