The 2022 season is officially underway! The teams and the drivers bring in the new era of F1 as they head out to test the 2022 cars. Fans expect this season will give a level playing field across the grid. On the first day of Preseason tests in Barcelona, McLaren driver Lando Norris topped the timings.
The British driver completed a total of 101 laps throughout the day and was the fastest driver. But interestingly, he mentioned he does not want to be the fastest driver in testing and much rather have gone slowest and done more laps.
If anything, I would rather be last: Lando Norris
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As reported by Formula1.com, the British driver revealed that going fastest preseason practice might not be the actual picture in terms of performance. He hilariously stated that being P1 will now set unpractical expectations on the team.
“I didn’t want to be P1–if anything I would rather be last. Because now expectations will be so high and everyone thinks we are incredible, but I think we were just on a different run plan to the other people,” said Norris.
WATCH STORY: Shortest F1 Drivers Ever Featuring Yuki Tsunoda & Lando Norris
“I think we will see in the next few days. People will probably go much quicker than what I did. It was still a good day. We learned a lot of things – I learned a lot of things,” said the McLaren driver.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Norris gave everyone a fear when he stopped in the pit lane after completing just a few laps. He revealed the reason behind his sudden stoppage so early in the day.
“A couple of minutes and I was back on track again. You know, it’s early, it’s cold, fingers don’t work properly on the keyboards. No, it’s just the first day back at work, a couple of problems, that’s all,” said Lando.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It is clear that the McLaren driver it’s being cautious ahead of the 2022 season. There is a possibility that the McLaren might not be the fastest car going into the first race of the season. But it is nice to see that they can compete at the front of the grid once again and continue their momentum of previous seasons.
READ MORE: Why Lando Norris is so popular?