Lando Norris Completes McLaren Factory Visit Ahead of MCL35M F1 Car Launch

After testing positive for COVID-19 at the beginning of January, Lando Norris underwent a 2-week isolation. The Briton is now back on his feet and even visited the McLaren factory this week ahead of their 2021 car launch.

The Briton helped the team finish the season in the P3 position with 202 points – their best result since 2012. Now, in his third season with the team, he hopes to take on a more leading role.

“There were times throughout last year – more towards the middle and latter part – when I kind of took on that role.”

“There were a lot more debriefs and things that were led by myself, rather than Carlos, taking the car more in the direction I wanted it to be improved and thinking ahead to the future,” said the Briton.

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Will debrief more meeting in 2021, claims Lando Norris

McLaren welcomes Daniel Ricciardo this season as Carlos Sainz moves to Ferrari on a two-year contract. The Australian will be new to the team and might need some time to understand the team and the car.

So, even though Ricciardo is a more experienced driver, Lando believes that because of his three-year knowledge of McLaren, he will be able to play a more leading role this year.

“Obviously, there were a lot of meetings that didn’t include Carlos. When it came to ’21 stuff and ’22, we couldn’t involve him because he was moving to another team.”

“So I think that will happen a little more this year, leading the debriefs a little bit more and bringing the ideas and my experience of working with McLaren to the table,” he explained.

Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz led the team to a top-three finish last season. They created an environment within the team that allowed for growth and success. The team will hope the same continues with the Australian and they can continue that momentum this season.

Do you believe Lando and Ricciardo will be able to build on McLaren’s 2020 performance?