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Lando Norris revels in surreal glory as McLaren unveils stunning new F1 champion car

David Castro by David Castro
January 28, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Lando Norris revels in surreal glory as McLaren unveils stunning new F1 champion car

Lando Norris: A New Era Begins as McLaren Unveils the MCL40 and the Number 1!

In an electrifying start to the 2026 Formula 1 season, Lando Norris has declared the thrill of being the reigning world champion as “surreal” while getting behind the wheel of McLaren’s brand-new MCL40 at the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya. This momentous occasion marks an exhilarating chapter for McLaren as they kick off their pre-season testing, showcasing their commitment to reclaiming glory on the track.

Delayed until Wednesday for strategic reasons, McLaren took to the circuit for the third of five crucial shakedown days, ensuring they maximized their testing time ahead of the season. Norris, stepping into the role of a champion, traded his iconic #4 for the illustrious #1, a powerful symbol of his status as the reigning world champion. “It was just nice to be back, nice to see a number one on my car – pretty surreal still,” Norris expressed, reveling in the moment that encapsulates the hard work and dedication of his team.

The British driver embarked on an impressive 77 laps around the unforgiving Catalan track, taking his first look at the MCL40. Clad in a striking black and grey testing livery, Norris was not just testing a car; he was embracing a new identity. “I saw it on the timing screen; I still find it just unbelievable. It’s still a crazy thing to see,” he added, underscoring the significance of this experience.

For Norris, the day was not just about the thrill of speed but about understanding a radically different car compared to the one that secured his championship in 2025. “Today was really just a first understanding of the whole car, understanding just how it works really,” he noted, highlighting the complexities of the new regulations. The MCL40 boasts lower downforce, active aerodynamics, and a heavier reliance on electric energy deployment, making it a beast that demands mastery.

While the car may feel slower in cornering speeds, Norris reported an exhilarating increase in acceleration and straight-line speed. “It probably feels quicker than it did last year; you get to 340, 350 quite a bit quicker than we did in previous years,” he remarked. However, with innovation comes intricacy. “There’s a bit more to understand from the battery, the power unit, all of those things are in some ways more complicated,” Norris stated, emphasizing the challenges ahead for the team.

Adding to the excitement, McLaren’s chief designer Rob Marshall shared that their title-defending squad encountered no major surprises during the initial runs of the MCL40. “The car ran pretty well today; we’re quite happy with it,” he assured, indicating that while minor issues were addressed, the vehicle performed reliably. Marshall described this week as a crucial shakedown period, setting the groundwork for reliability as they prepare for the challenges of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

With Oscar Piastri set to take over testing duties on Thursday, the anticipation builds as McLaren gears up to refine the MCL40 further. As this iconic team steps into a new season with the weight of expectation and the pride of a champion, the world watches with bated breath. Will Lando Norris and McLaren emerge victorious once again? Only time will tell, but the stage is set for a thrilling 2026 season in Formula 1!

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2025-formula-1-season2025-mclaren-f1-championshipLando Norris
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