Norris using McLaren's F1 simulator to prepare for F2 Bahrain round

The British driver is McLaren's official test and reserve driver for the 2018 season alongside his F2 commitments with the Carlin squad.

"I've done a few days on the sim so far, [and] dedicated about a fifth of the day on the sim to help me learn the next track," said Norris in a video posted on McLaren's Twitter feed.

From the many perks of having Fernando as a teammate to what actually goes on behind the closed door of the simulator. Catch up with everything @LandoNorris. ?⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Mcak63rUBT

— McLaren (@McLarenF1) March 29, 2018

"I've never been to [race in] Bahrain before.

"I [now] know what areas you can push and save tyres and get as much info about the track as you can."

The reigning Formula 3 European champion also outlined the main differences he has had to adapt to since stepping up F2 for this season.

Norris topped the opening F2 pre-season test at Paul Ricard earlier this month and was 10th fastest in the second test in Bahrain.

"The [F2] car is quite a bit heavier [than F3], [it has] much more downforce, much more power," he said.

"I think those are probably the biggest things, but the second biggest thing is the tyres we're running.

"We're running Pirellis instead of Hankooks, which we ran in F3.

"[It's about] knowing how to get them in the right operating window to maximise the grip for that one lap in qualifying.

"Then you have to completely change for the race, and really understand how to drive in such a certain way to save the tyres for a 45-minute race, which is the sprint race."

As well as being McLaren's reserve driver for the current campaign, Norris will also help the team to develop the MCL33 from the simulator on the weekends when F2 is not supporting grand prix events.

"I'll be doing some of the race support when I'm not at the race weekend driving [in F2]," he said.

"I'll be on the sim when they're out racing giving feedback, trying to help the team improve throughout the weekend.

"I have some big days coming up, obviously, being test and reserve this year.

"I'll be doing some of the test days like I did last year - the rookie days.

"I'll get some more opportunities to drive in F1 again, which I'm really looking forward to.

"And of course to spend some more time on the weekend with the team, learning as much as I can about F1."