Norris admits he has 'a lot to live up to' at McLaren

©McLaren

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.

McLaren uncovers new papaya and vega blue MCL34!

"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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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.