LANDO NORRIS ended the first day of F1 pre-season testing top of the timesheets in Barcelona.
The Brit notched 103 laps on the opening day as he led both Ferraris with Charles Leclerc second and Carlos Sainz third.
Lando Norris was the quickest racer on day one of F1 testing for the 2022 season in Barcelona
Max Verstappen completed more laps than any other driver but could only finish ninth
Lewis Hamilton came in fifth on day one of testing, narrowly behind team-mate George Russell
Hamilton had earlier had a nose around rival teams’ garages, including Red Bull’s
Defending champion Max Verstappen put in a huge shift as he completed 147 laps, more than any other driver on the grid.
Verstappen ended the day ninth fastest after doing long runs, as Red Bull discover their new RB18 over long stints.
Lewis Hamilton stepped into his Mercedes for the afternoon session and completed 50 laps.
The Brit veteran was fifth fastest, just over a tenth slower than his new teammate George Russell.
Hamilton began the day on a spy mission, peering into Red Bull’s garage on the first day of pre-season testing in Barcelona.
The seven-time British world champion was spotted in the pit-lane examining Red Bull’s car for the 2022 season.
F1 has undergone the biggest overhaul of its regulations in a generation and Hamilton couldn’t wait to catch a glimpse of his rivals.
Hamilton said: “This morning, arriving and looking down the pit lane and seeing all the different cars, I think it’s one of the most exciting and interesting seasons that I’ve ever embarked upon.
“It will be interesting to see where everyone comes out and where we stand in the first race.
”Every year is exciting but this one is completely brand new.
“I’ve seen designs of our car obviously, but this is the first time you get to see the other teams out there on track.
“You want to keep a close eye and see why others have taken a different route.
“You have no idea where you stand, so it’s definitely exciting.
“I hope these rules deliver in terms of closer racing. It puts everyone on a closer playing field.”
After contemplating retiring from the sport, Hamilton is back with his eyes set on eclipsing Michael Schumacher’s record by winning his eighth world title.
But when asked if he fears Mercedes may not provide him with a car worthy of challenging for another title, Hamilton responded: “Why would I ever feel that way?
“My team don’t make mistakes. Of course that is a risk (with the new regulations) but I trust the team. Whether it is good or bad we will work through it.”
McLaren star Lando Norris put in a great shift and was the only racer to crack the 1min 20sec barrier in Barcelona on day one of testing
Full standings
1) Lando Norris (McLaren) 1.19.568secs
2) Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 1.20.165
3) Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) 1.20.416
4) George Russell (Mercedes) 1.20.784
5) Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) 1.20.929
6) Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin) 1.21.276
7) Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri) 1.21.638
8) Fernando Alonso (Alpine) 1.21.746
9) Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 1.22.246
10) Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo )1.22.572
11) Alex Albon (Williams) 1.22.760
12) Mick Schumacher (Haas) 1.22.962
13) Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) 1.23.327
14) Nicholas Latifi (Williams) – 1.23.379
15) Nikita Mazepin (Haas) – 1.24.505
16) Robert Kubica (Alfa Romeo) – 1.25.909
