Formula 1 news: The first week of testing in Barcelona in 2022 just ended very smoothly. McLaren Formula One driver Lando Norris feels Mercedes and Red Bull are still on top.

Two weeks ago, during three days of testing at the Circuit of Barcelona-Catalunya, both Norris’ McLaren squad and Ferrari took the early headlines.

Norris took the lead on the first day of testing, followed by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc on the second. This was before Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and George Russell took the lead on the third and final day.

Norris feels Mercedes and Red Bull are still the dominant forces of 2022. He said they are still ahead of the game despite the 2022 regulations reset.

Formula 1 news: Norris on Mercedes and the first week testing

Mercedes never appeared to be that strong in testing until the first race. If they perform well in testing, they will most likely perform spectacularly in the first race.

Norris said he believes everyone is working on their own programmes, using various fuel loads, power modes, and other factors.

We all can see a picture and see that we are in a strong position, but Mercedes and Ferrari have looked extremely good from the start. They have always been at the top of the timesheets, and their long run speed appears to be good.

Mercedes branded as the dominant force in the sport

Ferrari appears to be very strong, but Mercedes and Red Bull are close behind, not slightly ahead at the moment.

Norris said McLaren’s test was “not flawless” but nevertheless enjoyed a fruitful three days with colleague Daniel Ricciardo. He emphasised oh how McLaren still has a long way to go if it wants to challenge the top teams.

Norris said he personally believes they have a lot of work to do as a squad if they want to battle with them.

That is to be expected, but he believes netizens all recognise there are still many areas in which we can develop to reach their level.

Formula 1 news: Lando Norris joins the ranks of F1’s highest-paid stars with his new mega contract

 Lando Norris has joined the ranks of F1’s highest-paid drivers with his new mega contract. Norris has signed a contract with McLaren that will keep him with the team until the conclusion of the 2025 season. This in turn will put him among F1’s best earners.

Lewis Hamilton is the highest-paid driver in the world, earning £40 million per year under a deal struck a year ago. The British driver is under contract with Mercedes until the end of next season, and his return to Formula One had been questioned.

Norris has risen to third place in terms of earnings, and he will earn £10.5 million each year for the following four seasons. This puts the 22-year-old ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and his McLaren teammate Daniel Ricciardo.

Last year, Norris came close to winning his first Formula One race in the Russian Grand Prix. But he believes there will be plenty of possibilities in the future.

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