Norris "feeling ready" for his F1 debut this weekend

McLaren driver and Formula 1 rookie Lando Norris is "feeling ready" for his debut in the sport this weekend, with the season opener in Australia in a few days time.

Norris finished runner-up in last season's Formula 2 world championship and was promoted to motorsport's most elite competition as a result.

The 19-year-old will be driving alongside the more experienced driver in Carlos Sainz Jr. - who spent last season at Renault.

"This weekend marks the start of an important new chapter in my career," Norris said as part of his Grand Prix preview. "I'm excited to be making my Formula 1 debut and ready for the challenges that lie ahead.

"There are plenty of new procedures for me to get used to as I step up from F2, so the two weeks at pre-season testing were valuable as they allowed me to fully prepare for this weekend."

The two weeks of pre-season testing in Barcelona was Norris' first chance to really feel like what it is to be an F1 driver, and the youngster now says he "feels ready" for the race in Melbourne.

"Since leaving Barcelona, I've spent a lot of time working with the engineers and making my final preparations before taking to the track in Melbourne," the McLaren driver explained.

"I feel ready and I'm looking forward to working with Carlos and the team as we take on the 2019 season together."