McLaren rookie Lando Norris rose through the junior ranks with remarkable ease, but the 19-year-old admits he has "a lot to live up to" in his maiden season of Formula 1.
Norris' stellar formative years in motorsport and a runner-up season in Formula 2 in 2018 warranted his graduation to the big time, but stepping into the light as McLaren Grand Prix driver implies expectations, something of which he is fully aware.
"I've got a lot to live up to, the history of McLaren, there is a lot on my shoulders," said Norris at the team's 2019 launch on Thursday.
"I'll try to make a positive effect, and know that I'll have a longer career in F1 being at the age I am."
During the team's unveil, Norris couldn't keep his eye off his striking papaya and vega blue MCL34, and he's obviously impatient to put the new-spec car through its paces.
"Next stop, Barcelona! Seriously, I can’t wait to get behind the wheel in testing," he said.
"I’ve been working hard over the winter preparing for my step up to F1. I’ve spent a lot of time with the team in the factory too, learning as much as I can to get ready for the 2019 season.
"It’s been my dream to get to Formula 1 since I was a kid. I gained useful experience behind the wheel during practice sessions in 2018, and now I’m really looking forward to making my race debut with McLaren.
"The MCL34 looks great and now I just want to drive it."
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