Lando Norris makes daring declare on prospect of turning into a a number of world champion – following McLaren’s determination to delay return to pre-season testing

Lando Norris emerged from his winter hibernation at the glitzy Autosport Awards in London, declaring that he has developed new depths of confidence that can turn him into a multiple world champion.

But Norris, who took his first title in Abu Dhabi last December, will have to wait for his next turn of the wheel after his McLaren team revealed they will not take part on the first day, or possibly first two, of private pre-season testing starting in Barcelona on Monday.

However, the format allows teams to run on three of the scheduled five days after a huge overhaul in regulations – wiping the slate clean on the car that Norris drove to triumph in 2025.

Team principal Andrea Stella insisted McLaren’s programme is ‘on plan’ and that they have been ‘ambitious’ in their reading of the new design rules.

Norris was anointed ‘Autosport Champion’, an award presented by Sir Jackie Stewart, at the Roundhouse, Camden, where he was joined by family members including his mother Cisca.

Asked about defending his title, the Briton said: ‘It is absolutely the goal. When you win one it certainly gives you a lot more confidence.

‘It is different for every driver. You must find your own way of doing things. There are people with more confidence, and drivers with less. I have never been one to have the most confidence in myself, but I certainly have more of it now.

Lando Norris has spent the winter celebratinghis maiden world title by playing golf with his friends and travelling

‘I have always been a seeing-is-believing kind of guy. I have always had to be on the top step to believe finally that I can do it.

‘Halfway through last season I felt I had everything I needed – the people around me, the team, the car and my own ability – to win the championship. That was the first time I had that belief in myself, and it turned out to be the correct thing to have.’

The 26-year-old said he had not watched back his championship win in Abu Dhabi, adding: ‘I have honestly tried to be as far from everything as possible and just enjoy the rest of my life.

‘I love Formula One, but I also love being away from it. It is an incredible job, I get paid well, and I get to travel with my friends and play golf in beautiful places.

‘You have one life, and I want to try as many things as possible and enjoy it all.’