Norris recognises that McLaren faces a considerable challenge before the season gets underway in Melbourne next month

Lando Norris has admitted there is “quite a bit” to improve with his McLaren car as he enters the upcoming Formula One season.

The British driver secured his first driver’s title last year after overcoming Max Verstappen in what proved to be a turbulent campaign marked by personal struggles with self-doubt.

Having successfully navigated the immense pressure that comes with a championship battle, the 26-year-old now exudes confidence heading into the new season.

His maiden title triumph represented a significant breakthrough after years of establishing himself as one of the sport’s most talented competitors.

Norris recognises that McLaren faces a considerable challenge before the season gets underway in Melbourne next month.

The defending champion has been candid about the state of his machinery, admitting there remains “quite a bit” of development work required on the car.

McLaren must make substantial progress if they are to keep pace with their principal rivals when racing resumes.

Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull all pose significant threats. Norris understands his team cannot afford complacency if he is to retain his crown.

Lando Norris has admitted there is ‘quite a bit’ to improve with his McLaren car

 | GETTY

The Australian Grand Prix will provide an early indication of where the Woking-based outfit stands against the competition.

Norris told a press conference in Bahrain: “At the minute, we’re a little bit off, so to match the race pace of some of the others, we have to push a bit more and then we have more degradations.

“I would love to (win), but I don’t think there’s like a responsibility.

“Always in life I’ll do my best to defend it and continue it, but it’s a new season with loads of new challenges.”

Lando Norris is preparing to defend his world championship crown

 | GETTY

He added: “It’s not as simple as just continuing from last year and saying it’s the same thing again.

“You know at the minute we have to improve the car quite a bit if we want to compete a bit more to be confident for the first race, but I feel confident.

“I feel better than I’ve ever done.

“Certainly after last year in winning the championship, that’s given me the confidence, so it’s reassuring to know that I’ve done it once and therefore I believe I can do it again.”

Driving for McLaren, Norris clinched the title in a dramatic season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year

 | GETTY

Norris said: “That’s a good thing, but it’s a long season and I’ll make sure I do my part.

“Together as a team we’ll make sure we give ourselves the best opportunity to do it again.”

Driving for McLaren, Norris clinched the title in a dramatic season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 7 last year.

He won the championship by a narrow margin of just two points over Verstappen.