Lando Norris finally got a taste of the McLaren MCL-HY Le Mans Hypercar in a full test at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimao on Monday. The reigning Formula 1 champion completed 38 laps, logging 177 miles, marking a significant day for McLaren as they gear up for their Hypercar debut in 2027.
The test served as a brief escape for Norris after he was denied victory at the Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit, where an ill-timed Virtual Safety Car cost him the win. Instead of dwelling on the disappointment, the Briton crossed the border to Portugal to try something completely different.
McLaren said his programme included testing several development items and providing feedback through his immense F1 experience. He was assisted by McLaren's 2027 drivers, Mikkel Jensen and Laurens Vanthoor, who also carried out further development work ahead of the British brand's Hypercar debut.
“First of all, a big thanks to the McLaren Hypercar Team for letting me drive the MCL-HY,” Norris 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.”
He added, “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.”
Monday's test follows Norris sampling the MCL-HY for the first time at the car's public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July. Since then, speculation about a potential Le Mans outing for Norris has intensified. McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown had previously shown interest in fielding both Norris and Oscar Piastri in the World Endurance Championship's blue-riband event, although any such outing may rely on the team running an additional third car.
However, a Le Mans outing would only be possible if there are no clashes with Norris's F1 commitments next year. The full 2027 WEC calendar was revealed three months ago, with Le Mans pencilled in for the weekend of 12-13 June, while F1 is yet to publish its schedule for next year amid the war in West Asia.
Speaking on Monday, McLaren Hypercar team principal James Barclay left the door open for further outings for Norris in the future, without explicitly referring to any race appearances. “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 is a world-class driver, and his feedback is invaluable. We will continue to evaluate options going forward.”
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