McLaren reserve driver Lando Norris will make his Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend debut during the opening practice session in Belgium on Friday.
Norris joined McLaren’s young driver scheme at the start of 2017 and this year stepped up to the role of reserve driver, making selected test outings, most recently at the post-race gathering in Hungary.
Norris is a contender for the vacant 2019 McLaren seat next to newly-signed Carlos Sainz Jr., the Renault driver having been recruited to replace the outgoing Fernando Alonso.
Norris will drive Alonso’s MCL33 during the opening practice session at Spa-Francorchamps on Friday, before Alonso returns to action in the second session.
“This is not only part of his ongoing development, but also the evaluation and performance evolution of the car,” said Sporting Director Gil de Ferran.
“We’ll be taking a strategic view race-by-race at where else this might be beneficial for us over the coming grands prix.”
Norris will line up alongside Stoffel Vandoorne in the session, with the Belgian under pressure ahead of his home event after a difficult sophomore campaign for McLaren, having scored just eight points compared to the 48 amassed by Alonso.
Norris, 18, holds second place in the Formula 2 standings, 12 points behind Mercedes-backed George Russell, having stepped up to the series as the reigning Formula 3 champion.
The Briton will resume his Formula 2 duties with Carlin at Spa-Francorchamps immediately after his FP1 outing.
