Formula 1 has introduced its biggest regulation change since 2009, with cars featuring completely revamped aerodynamics designed around ground effect .
Although the pre-season has officially started in Barcelona on Wednesday 23 February, the drivers have already tested their new single-seaters in the virtual world, thanks to the hours they have spent in the simulators.
Lando Norris says he has used his time to experiment with changes to his driving style to suit the MCL36 he will use this season, should this new car need a different approach to get the most out of it.
“Of course I keep that in mind,” said the driver when asked if he is taking into account the possible changes he may have to make to his style to adapt it to the cars with the specifications required for 2022.
“I’ve spent a lot of time in the simulator, not only driving the car, but also preparing to drive it in different ways and being prepared to use different driving styles because of this,” Norris said of his process.
“I would say that our car has been quite specific in recent years in terms of how to drive it and how to get the most out of it. This was shown with the arrival of Daniel [Ricciardo]. I think it is easier to adapt to some cars than to others.” .
In his first year at the Woking team, Ricciardo had a lot of trouble adjusting to the MCL35M, the predecessor to this season’s car, but the change in regulations for 2022 puts both drivers on the same starting line.
Norris is aware that everyone on the grid could end up in the same situation Ricciardo suffered last year, although the Briton is confident in his ability to quickly get used to the new machines.
“I think it’s the same for everyone, it’s possible that the new cars are better suited to the driving style of some than others and it could be difficult for me,” admitted Norris. “But that’s life, isn’t it? You have to deal with it.”
“Before I came to F1, I had to deal with that in every category I competed in, and every year I had to adapt something new to try to get the most out of it.
“It’s proven by champions and race winners that a Formula 1 car is not an easy thing to understand, or to get into the mindset of. I think last year I did it more and that’s what Daniel had trouble with.”
“I hope the car fits well with my driving style and everything goes great, but there will definitely be things that I have to adapt to.”
“But this [car] is very different and everything is going to be different for me and for Daniel.”
For now, it looks like Norris’ winter hard work is paying off. He was the first driver to go out on the track in Barcelona and managed to place himself in second position after the morning session, which was led by Charles Leclerc with his F1-75. The British driver, however, carried out a yellow flag by stopping at the end of the pitlane in the afternoon in Barcelona.
