P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren abandon Lando Norris title celebrations
Lando Norris will not be able to celebrate his F1 drivers’ championship win with fans in Woking this year, after sealing McLaren’s first championship double since 1998.
Following his maiden title win in December, Norris and his team-mate Oscar Piastri will be back on track for testing in Barcelona at the end of January as part of an expanded testing program due to new regulations in F1.
The 2026 F1 season kicks off with a five-day shakedown in Barcelona starting on January 26, followed by a three-day testing session in Bahrain from February 12.
McLaren abandoned their traditional celebration in Woking due to being busy preparing for the upcoming season, despite offers of support from the local council.
The official start of the F1 season is on March 6 with FP1 at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, after teams unveil their 2026 cars at launch events.
