Lando Norris admits his strong start in Formula 1 is due in part to the cars being less physical than in F2.
The McLaren driver surprised with a relatively modest season in the feeder series, scoring only one win in the opening race and finishing second to the champion George Russell.
Since stepping up with McLaren, however, he has met and perhaps exceeded expectations, proving more than a match for teammate Carlos Sainz and sitting ninth in the Drivers’ standings.
“I did suffer a lot since karting, with my size and everything, not really having a clue what to do when I started karting,” he was quoted by PlanetF1.
“So I suffered in every category: F4, F3, F2. Not so much F2 but I’ve had to kind of play catch-up quite a bit and in some ways, F1 was a bit nicer with power steering.
“F2’s much harder physically on the arms and almost on the whole body than F1 is.
“So it can change, but I don’t really mind.”
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Ever since he first stepped into an F1 car two years ago, Norris has impressed McLaren and the 19-year-old does admit they suit him more than junior formulas.
“I feel more confident in this car, in Formula 1,” he continued. “Not just because I’ve done well, but even at the very start of the season.
“It was very hard to put a lap together but I still felt more comfortable in this car than last year, in F1 compared to F2.
“Not because it’s easy or anything, but I just have a better feeling for it. I have a better idea for the limits and to always be on that limit.”
As well as the cars, Norris does think his self-improvement has played a significant role.
“[It’s] a combination of working with the team and preparing a lot for this year, knowing myself, I didn’t do the best job last year and I’m working on that area,” he added.
“I’m sure like everyone else I’m not always the happiest if I don’t do a good job in quali or the race or whatever, so I think beating myself up sometimes makes me work harder.”