Lando Norris confesses: “I wanted an extra month off”

During Barcelona’s shakedown launching Formula 1’s 2026 regulatory revolution, Lando Norris debuted the #1 earned following last season’s intense three-way battle against Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri.

Only one month after the Abu Dhabi finale, Norris returned in the MCL40, aiming to become the first McLaren driver since Mika Häkkinen in 1999 to successfully defend the title. However, the Briton honestly admitted desiring a longer break.

“I’m excited, certainly, but I wish I had another month to relax and savor every moment,” Norris confessed. “It felt like mere weeks to process realizing my dream. I am still accepting it really happened.”

Despite wishing for more downtime, Norris remains hungry. “Now we must work to repeat it. I have great confidence, even though the new rules present a massive challenge. I feel good and happy to have achieved something huge in my life.”