Lando Norris Acknowledges ‘Massive Title Pressure’ as McLaren Begin Championship Defense
Lando Norris accepted that he and McLaren would face massive pressure throughout the 2026 season for the title win under new regulations.
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Lando Norris (via F1)
McLaren put forth a positive outing during the private testing session at Barcelona. Lando Norris ended Max Verstappen‘s title-winning streak and drove the No.1 challenger for the first time in his career. Despite early warnings for a majority of the teams on the grid, Norris is looking forward to the title challenge against the rivals in the coming season.
Lando Norris won the 2025 driver’s title following a long-fought battle with Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri. The Briton was able to win with a mere two-point lead and deserved every bit of the championship victory. Now, Norris hopes to keep up with his winning pace and give it his all to win his second consecutive title.
Lando Norris was overjoyed following the private outing in Barcelona in a blacked-out McLaren challenger donning the No.1. Speaking on finally coming back to racing on the grid, Norris noted that it was nice to be back. He asserted that it was great to see the number one on his car and felt very surreal. As such, the 26-year-old is feeling great things ahead of the beginning of the 2026 season.
It was nice to be back, Nice to see a number one on my car. Pretty cool, pretty surreal still, so good feelings.
Lando Norris said, as reported by RacingNews365.
Despite positive feelings over the testing sessions, Lando Norris does not fail to acknowledge the pressure that he will face for the title battle under the new regulations. The Briton is proud to represent No.1 on his car, but the honor did not mean that the battle for the 2026 title would be any easier. Norris pointed out that there was still a lot of hard work to be put in development of the challenger over the year.
Now, pressure is on, but at the same time, it’s just cool. It’s great for the mechanics, for all of them to have that feeling and that honour, but it doesn’t change anything. Otherwise, it’s still a lot of hard work that we have to put into everything, and many laps you’ve got to complete, but it’s nice to know that I’ve got that number on.
Lando Norris added.
Lando Norris reveals ‘unbelievable feeling’ of having No.1 on his MCL40 challenger
Max Verstappen proudly represented the No.1 on his challenger since the 2022 season following his consecutive championship wins. However, Lando Norris denied Verstappen the title win in 2025 and thus ended his reign over the No.1. Now, the one-time champion reveals just how special it is for him to showcase the championship number on his McLaren challenger.
Lando Norris saw the No.1 ahead of his name on the timing boards and still found it unbelievable. It will certainly take some time getting used to the new number next to his name, as he was running with #4 for quite some time. Norris asserted that he felt crazy seeing the number on his car, suit, and other areas around the circuit.
I saw it earlier on the timing screen, and I still find it just unbelievable. It’s still a crazy thing to see, especially when you see it now. Now is the first time I get to see it on my suit, on the car, on timing screens, all of these things, and it looks good. Still a surreal feeling, the whole situation of being champion.
Lando Norris noted.
After feeling so high with just a number, Lando Norris will definitely want to keep it for himself for many seasons to come. However, the 26-year-old has a long season ahead, and the rivals will not make life any easier for the reigning world champion. For now, the testing sessions are extremely important as they will set the team up for the remainder of the new regulations. Hence, Norris must provide crucial information over the sessions and start the season on a high.
Read More: Red Bull Exposes their “Triple Advantage” with Max Verstappen Ahead of the 2026 Season
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