McLaren youngster Lando Norris says that partnering Fernando Alonso at the Daytona 24 Hours presents him with an opportunity to learn – and also to outline his credentials.
Norris, 18, joined McLaren at the start of 2017 and conducted test runs, alongside his title-winning Formula 3 campaign, before being promoted to the role of test/reserve driver for 2018.
Norris’ full programme for 2018 will be with Carlin Racing in Formula 2, but the Briton will make his sportscar debut at the Daytona 24 Hours for the United Autosports outfit co-owned by McLaren chief Zak Brown.
Norris will team up with Alonso and Phil Hanson aboard the #23 Ligier JS P217s for the famous event, whose build-up begins this weekend with the ROAR before the 24.
“I would like to do well, but obviously it is a good opportunity for me to learn from him,” Norris said of sharing duties with two-time Formula 1 champion Alonso.
“I definitely don’t think I can let it go to waste but at the same time I would like to prove what I can do, especially in the qualifying runs.
“Daytona’s a team game, so at one point I’m going to have to realise and switch and learn together.
“We’re not going against each other but of course I would like to say it’s going to be a bit of competition for the practice and qualifying runs and whoever does the best then I think has done the best.
“It’s just a good opportunity to learn, not just from him but about everything, then hopefully [I can carry that] into other categories I do.”
Norris added: “I will get to know a bit more about the work ethic of an F1 driver.
“Even though it’s a different car he’ll still want to do as well as he can, especially beat his team-mates.
“He’ll work as much as he can try to and improve the car, although there’ll always be a compromise, that you can’t change the set-up for every driver, so you all need to be confident with one set-up.
“But whatever I can learn I’ll try and take onboard and help me.”
