
Lando Norris offered his first verdict of the new McLaren MCL39, which he feels is ultimately "in the same ballpark" as its Formula 1 title-winning predecessor – albeit with a little bit of initial rear-end instability.
The Briton headlined the opening day of testing to suggest McLaren had picked up from where it left off in 2024's Abu Dhabi finale, where Norris won from pole. Oscar Piastri took control of the MCL39 in both morning sessions in the opening two days, with Norris pencilled in for the afternoon/evening running.