McLaren's Norris and Piastri Kick Off Early Testing

McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri hit the track early for Pirelli tests, regaining rhythm ahead of the upcoming season.

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri rediscovered the feel of driving a Formula 1 car after the winter break. The two McLaren F1 drivers tested the 2023 MCL60 during a Pirelli session, and the 2024 vice-champion expressed his satisfaction with the restart.

“After the winter break, I feel good,” Norris said. “The winter has been productive, probably one of the busiest I’ve had in terms of training and preparation. I feel it’s been used well and more efficiently than last year, so I’m happy.”

“Actually, I’m even more excited to get back on track. I’m back in the car, and it feels good. Obviously, it’s not our race car for the year, so it’s not as thrilling as when I’ll step into this year’s car.”

“But it’s always nice to get back in the car and feel that sense of being behind the wheel again. Still, it’s not the same as getting into the race car for the season and taking part in the first race.”

Piastri enjoyed some free time and reflected on its benefits: “It’s nice to have a week or two where you can be home and do nothing without feeling guilty. Coming from Australia, that’s one of the toughest parts of racing, since I don’t go home often.”

“For me, being at home is a key part of the offseason, so it was good to return to Australia for a decent period and enjoy the Australian summer. It was great to see friends and family and experience life at home. I feel refreshed.”

“I trained well, but it’s nice to get back in the car. The first week was very cold and wet, but it felt good to be back on track. Everything was familiar, which is always comforting. And when it’s wet, that’s when your reactions are most tested.”

“So it was good to return under tricky conditions and challenge myself. The first lap or two were quite quick, but after that, everything felt normal. I think we learned a lot, and I felt like I got back into the rhythm easily.”

The Australian also emphasized that this break is essential to be in better shape ahead of another 24-race season: “Taking a break is very important. The seasons are now very, very long.”

“So it’s important for everyone on the team — not just us as drivers — to take time off and spend it with family and friends. Obviously, we love driving race cars, but too much of anything can become harmful at some point.”

Norris also admitted that he appreciates the disconnect, no matter how short: “I like not thinking about Formula 1 sometimes. Going home, seeing my friends, being alone, and doing other things in my life besides driving. It’s necessary, and I’m sure everyone would say the same.”

The Briton has prepared thoroughly for the upcoming season: “I’ve done a lot of different things in many different countries, making sure, in every aspect, that I could be better prepared than last year.”

With work now in full swing, Piastri explains what the next few weeks will involve for him and McLaren: “I’ve been in F1 for a few years now, so I’m starting to better understand the parts of my body that need more training and the areas I need to focus on.”

“I have a new trainer this year, so we’ve spent time getting to know each other and learning about our different working and training methods. It’s quite fun to get used to new things. Beyond that, it’s just about improving my overall fitness, maintaining muscle levels, and preparing my neck.”

“We have all the usual preseason marketing and media work—the graphics you see on TV, content for fans and partners, and of course, the launch we’re doing at the O2, which will be interesting. It’ll be good to see everyone back at the factory, get back to work, and settle into the 2025 car seat to see how it feels.”