If sitting in the viewing gallery of McLaren's Technology Centre (MTC) and watching the team's engineers work through a qualifying session is anything to go by, anticipation and preparation are two of Formula 1’s defining characteristics.

Every scenario is considered. Engineers monitor live data, strategists weigh up their options, and plans A-Z are put into place for whatever may eventuate, whether that's an unexpected yellow flag, evolving track conditions or the possibility of squeezing in one final run before the chequered flag falls.

I visited the MTC on the same weekend that Lando Norris claimed his first victory of the season at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Alongside a tour of the Technology Centre, the visit offered a chance to watch Saturday qualifying from the team's headquarters and gain an insight into the processes that go into a winning F1 operation.

What quickly becomes apparent is that preparation at McLaren extends far beyond the engineers and strategists working behind the scenes. Drivers, too, have their own routines. Current world champion Lando Norris has spoken previously about the habits and rituals that form part of his race-day preparation.

For Norris, making sure he fist-bumps each of his mechanics before climbing into the car is a well-established part of his routine. Ahead of Sunday's race in Hungary, though, he appeared to take things a step further, adding a playful slap on a mechanic's backside to the pre-race ritual. Considering he went on to win later that day, there may now be a debate within the garage over which gesture is actually the lucky one.

Meanwhile Oscar Piastri hasn’t let on if he does anything out of the ordinary when it comes to preparation before a race. Although the Australian is all about staying calm, he has joked about a €5 note handed to him by a fan at the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix becoming something of a lucky charm after he went on to secure his maiden F1 victory that weekend.

Whether driven by data, routine or superstition, those habits all stem from the same desire to be as ready as possible when the decisive moments arrive.

Part of the day also involved trying the Allwyn League prediction game. The game allows fans to predict the outcome of qualifying and races throughout the season, testing their own ability to anticipate how a weekend might unfold and possibly win a prize. With Allwyn, the lottery company, better known for turning hopeful predictions into big wins, I fancied my chances of spotting a winner or two myself. My selections proved less successful than hoped after opting for championship leader Kimi Antonelli over Norris, who went on to enjoy a winning weekend at the Hungaroring.

Watching qualifying unfold from the MTC added a different dimension to a session that is compelling enough from the grandstands. Every lap was followed by a flurry of activity as engineers assessed performance and considered their next move, while the prestige displayed through trophies and cars around the building served as a reminder of McLaren's long history in the sport.

For all the technological sophistication on display, F1 remains a sport built on people, and their best methods for staying one step ahead. Spending an afternoon at the MTC offered a rare glimpse into that process, revealing just how much work goes into preparing for the moments that ultimately decide a race weekend.