McLaren: Lando Norris showed star quality in Hungary Formula 1 test
Lando Norris demonstrated he is a "potential star of the future" with an impressive display in Formula 1's post-Hungarian Grand Prix test, according to McLaren racing director Eric Boullier
European Formula 3 title contender Norris completed 91 laps and set the second quickest time in his first outing in a contemporary F1 car at the Hungaroring, lapping in 1m17.385s on ultra-soft tyres to finish just 0.271s adrift of the pace set by Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel.
"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," said Boullier.
"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' test programme featured aerodynamic data gathering, set-up adjustments, some high-fuel longer runs and a focus on single-lap pace.
"It's been a really good day - and a very productive one for all of us," said Norris, who first drove an F1 car - the 2011 McLaren MP4-26 - earlier this year in Portugal, in preparation for Wednesday's test.
"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.
"I want to say a big thanks to the team for giving me this opportunity. Hopefully it will be the first of many!"
The test was part of his prize for winning the 2016 McLaren Autosport BRDC Award, which also includes a role as test and simulator driver for McLaren.
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