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Norris excited to get debut F1 race out of the way

Norris excited to get debut F1 race "out of the way"

07-03-2019 12:03
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Bobby Vincent

McLaren driver Lando Norris has revealed his eagerness to complete his first Formula 1 race and to get it "out of the way".

Finishing second in Formula 2 last season, McLaren decided to call Norris up to the side following his impressive performances. He will drive this season with another new driver at the Woking-based squad, in Carlos Sainz.

Norris topped the timesheet at one point last week in pre-season testing at the Circuit de Catalunya but the young Brit is now fully focused on the challenge that lies ahead in Australia very soon.

"If I compare to how prepared I felt coming into (testing) compared to how I feel now, I feel I am in a much better position in terms of knowing what I need to be doing and what I need to do to achieve a good result if I get the opportunity in Melbourne," Norris said.

"From that side of things, I feel much more confident and I feel I can do the job I need to be doing when I get to the first race."

As Norris approaches his Formula 1 debut, he admitted it will be a moment he never forgets but in some ways he just wants to get the pressure "out of the way" and then progress with the season.

"It will be a big moment going into my first race, so I don't know what I'll think of it after, it depends if I have a great result or a not so great result. Hopefully a good one," the English driver added.

"I just want to get the first one out of the way and I'm sure I'll gain more confidence going into the first part of the season."