Lando Norris described the feeling of seeing No. 1 in his new McLaren F1 car as “surreal” on Wednesday after taking to the track for the first time this year as the reigning world champion.

McLaren took part in F1 pre-season testing at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit on the third day, with Norris completing 77 laps in the new MCL40, setting the third fastest time of the day.

Under F1 regulations, a reigning champion can switch his career number to No. 1 the year after winning the title.

Norris, who wore No. 4 during his career, said he was still coming to terms with the iconic number being associated with his name.

“I actually saw it early on the measurement screen and it’s still incredible,” he said. “It still seems like a crazy thing, especially when you look at it now.

“It’s really the first time I’ve seen it on suits, cars, timing screens, all this stuff, but it looks good.

“So, still, yeah, the whole situation of being champion feels surreal, but now that I’m in last place, nothing changes except that I’m at the top of the timing screen before I go.

“The pressure is on, but at the same time, it’s just cool. It’s great for the mechanics. It’s great for them to get that feeling and honor, but it doesn’t change anything.”

“Otherwise, it’s still a lot of work and you have to put a lot of effort into everything and you have to complete a lot of laps. So, but it’s nice to know that we achieved that number.”

New regulations for F1 in 2026 mean pre-season testing will start a month earlier than usual, making it one of the shortest breaks between seasons in recent years.

Norris said he would have welcomed more time to celebrate last year’s success, but was still keen to start the new season.

“I mean, of course I’m excited about everything,” he added. “Do I wish I had another month to slow down and enjoy it all and take it all in? You know, it was just a few weeks off. It didn’t even feel like a month off.

“It was a few weeks off last year trying to figure out what happened and it became a reality and a dream of mine. So I think I’m still just trying to accept it and realize that it happened.”

“But at the same time, I feel like I have to go back to work and start all over again. So I’m very happy.”

“It gives me good confidence going into this season. But this year is completely different, with all the regulations and all the changes, it’s a very big challenge, but I feel good. I’m happy.”

“Yes, I feel like I’ve accomplished something big in my life.”

New regulations for 2026 have resulted in a complete overhaul of the vehicle, including a new power unit, reduced downforce and a smaller, lighter chassis.

This week’s test in Spain was added to the pre-season schedule to allow teams to familiarize themselves with the new car, but Norris said he was already noticing big changes compared to the 2025 car.

“It’s very different. It’s very different,” he said. “In terms of cornering speed, I think it’s a little slower. In terms of acceleration and straight-line speed, it probably feels faster than last year. The speeds reaching 340km/h and 350km/h are much faster than in previous years.”

“Well, there’s a little bit more of a challenge in a lot of places, and that’s a good thing. But you have to understand a little bit more that batteries and power units and all those things are more complex in some way and just different. And whenever something is different, it takes a little bit more time to figure out the best way to observe it, manage it, and use it.”

“But that’s what those days, these days are for us, for us. So, yeah, I think I’ve gotten enough of it today. It’s still going to take some time.

“Yes, I’m happy to be back. Of course there are mixed emotions, but yeah, I still feel like a McLaren, but yeah, I still feel strong. I still feel like an F1 car, that’s the most important thing.”

Oscar Piastri will drive the MCL40 in Spain on Thursday, after which McLaren will complete the week’s allotment of three days of testing on Friday.