McLaren’s Lando Norris says he “would not see any distinction” in getting into the 2026 season as F1 world champion, however says he approaches it “with the identical ambition”.
The British driver received a dramatic title battle that went all the best way to the ultimate race in Abu Dhabi in 2025.
Lando Norris had a tough interval within the first half of the yr as McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri seemed to be a match for him, however his type improved within the second half.
Like Piastri, Norris additionally needed to fend off a rising problem from Crimson Bull and Max Verstappen within the second half of the marketing campaign, with the British driver in the end successful the title by simply two factors.
Norris is McLaren’s first world champion since Lewis Hamilton in 2008, and likewise their first British title winner since Hamilton in 2020.
Norris, who enters the brand new season as primary, would not suppose his ambitions have modified.
“Truthfully, no,” he stated at a McLaren media occasion if he needed to reset to face the brand new season as champion.
“That being stated, I do not really feel like something has modified going into this season.
“I nonetheless simply need to exit and win. I really feel like that is my primary emotion and it has been that every one alongside.”
“On the finish of the day, even when I do not obtain one thing once more, I all the time have one thing to be pleased with and I do know it is a massive accomplishment.
“It definitely doesn’t take away the ambition or the need to do it once more or to enter this season and not using a care.
“If something, I had numerous enjoyable final yr and would like to do it once more, however it will be good to have an extended offseason than final yr.
“Even when sometime I do not obtain one thing once more, I’ll all the time depend on this and all the time be proud, it doesn’t matter what individuals say.
“However I went into this yr with the identical ambition: to attempt to win once more.”
McLaren’s 2026 season started with a shakedown in Barcelona final week, testing the brand new automobile.
It should return for the official check in Bahrain subsequent week, however the official season launch is scheduled for February ninth, when the brand new livery might be unveiled.
