Lando Norris says he's still in a learning process regarding McLaren's new-generation car, but the Briton feels he's "getting there" and is now able to extract more pace from his MCL36.
Wholesale changes to F1's technical regulations for 2022 have forced drivers to get acquainted with the ground effect characteristics of their new machines and their impact on set-up, on-track behaviour or tyre wear among other things.
Norris is comprehensively leading McLaren's efforts as teammate Daniel Ricciardo is still struggling to come to grips with his mount.
But Norris, who finished sixth last weekend in Monaco, says he's still learning about his Mercedes-powered MCL36, but slowly getting on top of McLaren's new contender.
"I'm understanding more and more about the car, it's still a new car," he said last weekend. "It's not just for Daniel, it's not just for other people, it's the same for everyone.
"There are a lot of things I've had to try and readjust to this year, and I feel like I'm getting there now with that, and therefore I feel like I can unlock a bit more pace come qualifying, like yesterday and the race last weekend.
"I'm just understanding things more. So it's still a learning process for me. I'm still learning a lot of things."
While his over three years of F1 experience benefit him as a driver, they haven't fast-tracked his adjustment to McLaren's new car.
"It's not like, because I've been with McLaren, I know everything and I know how everything works perfectly – it is quite the opposite," he acknowledged.
"It's been a new car for me, new tyres, new setups, and new everything.
"So, in some ways, it's still like a new, fresh start for me and the new team and I have to reassess how I drive the car in some ways, and I can't drive how I want to in many ways."
From the outset of this year's campaign, it's been clear that some drivers have adapted more quickly than their teammates to F1's new cars and ground effect technology.
Such has been the case not only at McLaren but also at Ferrari where Charles Leclerc has outpaced Carlos Sainz.
"Charles has done much better this year, relative to Carlos," argued Norris.
"Carlos beat him last year and, this year, it just looks like Charles is in a much more comfortable position.
"Same with [Sergio] Perez – he is in a much better position compared to what it was last year.
"So there are quite a few changes this year with the car and I think you're seeing that evidence, drivers that it is suiting more than others.
"But it also takes time for everyone to understand all these things and I feel like, only now, so far into the season, or I guess six-seven races, whatever it is, that I'm finally coming to terms with understanding this."
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