Lando Norris has been labelled a “potential star of the future” by McLaren Racing Director Eric Boullier, after an encouraging first run in a 2017 Formula 1 car for the young British racer.
Norris was afforded a day in the MCL32 during the in-season test at the Hungaroring, and the 17-year-old impressed observers with his speed and maturity.
Norris completed 91 laps in hot and sunny conditions in Hungary, his run plan blighted only by a spun through Turn 4 during the final minute of the morning session.
Norris held second spot on the leaderboard, behind Sebastian Vettel, for much of the day and gradually improved, ending his running on a 1:17.385, just 0.261s behind the four-time F1 champion.
“I’m pleased to say that today was another very productive and useful day, for both McLaren-Honda and Lando,” said Boullier.
“We’ve completed a good number of laps with no major issues, and we’ve made great progress with our test programme.
“Lando has impressed us all with his maturity, professionalism and speed, and has got to grips very quickly with the car in only his first outing in the MCL32.
“His feedback with the engineers has been valuable and accurate, and he’s certainly an asset to our test driver line-up – not to mention a potential star of the future.”
Norris, who holds second in the European Formula 3 championship, cut an upbeat figure over his progress during the test.
“It’s been a really good day – and a very productive one for all of us,” he said.
“I managed to get through all the tests that the team asked me to complete, and everything went well.
“Getting used to the car was a bit of a challenge at first, but by the end of the day I felt very comfortable. I got a lot of laps under my belt and I really enjoyed the experience.”
