McLaren MCL35M hits the track at Silverstone

McLaren's MCL35M took to the track for the first time on Tuesday morning at Silverstone, where the team is conducting a shakedown run of its 2021 charger.

McLaren is taking the opportunity of a filming day to conduct a systems check of its new car, with Lando Norris entrusted with putting the car through its initial paces.

"This is day 1… I mean day 1 probably started many months ago, but this is day 1 of me trying to make my own improvements already and starting off the season on the right foot, trying to be as prepared as possible," said Norris after his single installation lap.

"It's still early days and there are many things to go through and many more laps that we still need to do. There are already comments I have for my own comfort side of things but also with the driveability and the car itself. No complaints but it's still early days."

Daniel Ricciardo will also sample his new mount later in the day with a limited run around Silverstone in conformity with filming day rules that allow for a maximum of 100 kilometers of running on Pirelli demo tyres.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.