Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris completed his first full test of the McLaren MCL-HY Le Mans Hypercar at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão on Monday. The session came days after the Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit, where an ill-timed Virtual Safety Car denied Norris a potential victory. The British driver traveled across the border for a dedicated one-day program, completing 38 laps and covering 177 miles (285 kilometers) in the V6-powered prototype. McLaren confirmed the run included evaluation of several development items and leveraged Norris’s extensive Formula 1 experience for detailed feedback.
Norris Completes First Full Test at Portimão
Norris was supported by McLaren’s 2027 Hypercar drivers Mikkel Jensen and Laurens Vanthoor, who continued development work ahead of the British manufacturer’s World Endurance Championship debut next season. The test follows Norris’s initial taste of the MCL-HY during its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.
Valuable Feedback from F1 Champion
“First of all, a big thanks to the McLaren Hypercar Team for letting me drive the MCL-HY,” he said. “It was great for them to give me a chance to have a bit of fun and try something new, particularly during their busy preparations for next year.”
“I think we also collected some valuable data, and I hope I was able to bring a different set of feelings, comments, and perspectives on things, which is useful for the team in this crucial testing period.”
“It was cool for me personally to work with this team, and it was exciting to try new machinery too. I’ve not done a proper test in anything other than an F1 car for years now, so the fact I got to try something different, especially still as part of the McLaren family, was very special.”
“It was a fun day in a quick car on a cool track, helping the team prepare for the start of WEC next year. A big thanks to everyone involved, I can’t wait to get back in the car in the future.”
McLaren Hypercar Team Principal Comments
“We are all racers at McLaren Racing, and competing in Formula 1, INDYCAR and the World Endurance Championship creates exciting cross-series opportunities,” he said.
“Lando was keen to drive the MCL-HY beyond his Goodwood Hill run, so we invited him to join our private Portimão test. As we fully expected he adapted very quickly, integrated seamlessly and provided valuable feedback to support the car’s development.”
“It was a pleasure to have him with the team, we wish him every success for the rest of the Formula 1 season, and we look forward to welcoming him back into the McLaren Hypercar Team soon.”
Potential Le Mans 2027 Outing
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has previously expressed interest in fielding both Norris and Oscar Piastri in the WEC’s blue-riband event, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, though any such entry would likely require the team to run a third car. A Le Mans appearance would only be feasible if there are no clashes with Norris’s Formula 1 commitments next year. While the full 2027 WEC calendar was revealed three months ago — with Le Mans penciled in for the weekend of June 12–13 — Formula 1 has yet to publish its 2027 schedule amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty in West Asia.
