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Lando Norris hands F1 rivals 'too easy' warning after Barcelona shakedown
Lando Norris has cautioned the F1 field that it is "so easy" to get
drawn into "comparisons" after the first pre-season test. Norris
gave the McLaren MCL40 its track debut on Wednesday in Barcelona,
before dovetailing duties with team-mate Oscar Piastri, with the
two completing a total of 287 laps. Despite a problem with the
fuel system on Thursday costing track time, from the early
indications, McLaren will once again be among the leading
contenders along with Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari as it seeks a
third straight constructors' crown whilst Norris looks to become
the first McLaren driver to defend the title since Mika Hakkinen in
1999. But the Briton felt making comparisons after the shakedowns
was too premature. "I think it is so easy to get caught up in
comparisons," the world champion reflected. "We're all competitive,
so you always want to see yourself doing well and feeling like you
can be quick, but I think we understood a lot, both in low fuel and
higher fuel, and the tyres. "What we came here to do is understand
the car, especially from a reliability point of view and make sure
that all the sensors were working as they should be, the gearbox or
whatever, just doing as we expect. "Because reliability is one of
the most important things, over the next few days and weeks, the
team will look into stuff and try to improve and make it better.
"From my side, just to get back comfy with the car, there are some
little bits I need to change here and there, but otherwise, it
still feels like a race car, still feels fast and enjoyable."
