Norris seeking end to agonising 17-year McLaren wait

Lando Norris has set his sights on emerging from the 2025 F1 season with his maiden drivers' championship in hand.

It would mark the first time since 2008, and Lewis Hamilton's dramatic maiden championship success, that McLaren has triumphed in the drivers' standings.

Norris jumped behind the wheel of his new McLaren car, the MCL39, at a Silverstone Circuit shakedown on Thursday.

The car sported a unique camo livery ahead of the launch of the full-time colour scheme at the F1 75 event in London next week.

McLaren became the first team to take to the track in its new 2025 car, as it aims to defend the constructors' championship it clinched last year over rivals Ferrari.

"It’s exciting to hop in the MCL39 for the first time and see what it can do on track, ahead of pre-season testing in Bahrain," Norris said.

"The camo livery is a fun one and it’s great to be able to showcase something different ahead of our full livery reveal at the official F1 75 launch."

Norris ended last year's F1 campaign second in the drivers' championship, with McLaren unable to secure double title success.

However, with the team expected to be a key player at the front of the grid from the outset this season, the 25-year-old is hopeful the Woking-based squad can take both championships in the same year for the first time since 1998.

"Thank you to the entire team for their work in getting us to this point," Norris added.

"This year will be more competitive than ever, so we’ve got a lot to do to be able to retain our constructors' title and go for the drivers’ as well. 

"I’ve been back at the MTC prepping for the season ahead and the mood is feeling positive but focused. 

"We’re all looking forward to getting the car on track in Bahrain ahead of our competitive debut in Australia and to see where we net out amongst the other teams. It’s shaping up to be an exciting season."