Lando Norris after 4 years at McLaren: “Time flies”

WOKING, England (AP) — Lando Norris is already a Formula 1 veteran, just 23 years old and ready to enter his fifth season with McLaren. But you don’t see it that way.

The British driver has always been accompanied by more experienced teammates, first Carlos Sainz Jr. then Daniel Ricciardo. This season, his squire will be the youngest driver on the grid: Oscar Piastri, a 21-year-old Austrian.

“It’s been a long ride. Time flies,” Norris said Monday at the unveiling of McLaren’s new model.

“I don’t feel like five or four and a half years have passed. Another season, new car, new teammates, lots of new challenges this season.”

Norris pointed out that the new MCL60, named for the British team’s 60th anniversary, builds on last year’s project rather than a radical design change.

“You have to admire the evolution compared to last year, subtle changes that go in the right direction and continue to grow. It’s quite promising. The big question will be answered in a few weeks when I get behind the wheel,” he said.

Piastri makes his F1 debut with McLaren after a contract dispute with Alpine last year.

“Being able to point out that this is my first F1 car will be something very special,” he said.

In August, Alpine announced that Piastri would drive for the team in 2023, but the 2021 Formula 2 champion denied this on social media.

McLaren finished fifth in the constructors’ championship last year. They barely got a podium. Norris and Ricciardo struggled to meet in the top 10 several times.

New team boss Andrea Stella has been cautious about expectations for 2023.

“In terms of performance, we are realistic in the short term. We will see how we do in practice and the first race in Bahrain. Regardless of that, we’ve done a good job at the factory, so we’re optimistic for the coming season,” he said.