Lando Norris took a break from his Formula 1 commitments to sample something entirely different: the McLaren MCL-HY hypercar. The 2025 F1 world champion completed 38 laps around the Algarve International Circuit in Portimao, Portugal, as part of the team's preparations for the World Endurance Championship next year. Behind-the-scenes footage released by McLaren shows Norris arriving with McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown before diving into an engineering briefing and hitting the track.
“Bit different, had a roof over my head!” Norris said after his first run. “It's just different to what I'm used to, but good fun.” The Briton covered a total of 177km around the Portuguese circuit.
Norris expressed his gratitude to the McLaren Hypercar team for the opportunity. “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.”
While Norris has driven various machinery before, he admitted it had been years since he last conducted a proper test outside of F1. “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,” he added.
The test also provided McLaren with valuable feedback as they gear up for their hypercar debut. The MCL-HY will compete in the WEC in 2027, and input from a driver of Norris's caliber can help refine the package, from tyre behaviour to aerodynamics and energy management. For Norris, it was a fun day in a quick car on a cool track, helping the team prepare for the start of WEC next year.
“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,” he concluded.
This collaboration highlights McLaren's willingness to involve their F1 drivers in cross-discipline projects. With Lando Norris committed long-term, such tests can benefit both the hypercar programme and the driver's own development. Meanwhile, McLaren continue their meticulous preparations for WEC 2027, with this Portimao test serving as another small but significant step.
Baca Juga
Cara nonton F1 GP Azerbaijan 2026 di Baku pada Sabtu, 26 September. Jadwal, siaran langsung, dan peluang Andrea Kimi Antonelli memperlebar keunggulan.
Fabio Di Giannantonio alami masalah rem di MotoGP Austria, finis kesembilan. Ia sebut Ducati perlu perbaikan dan kembali ke performa awal musim.
Gabriel Bortoleto ungkap sisi asli Fernando Alonso yang sarkastik dan blak-blakan di balik kamera F1, serta dinamika manajerial di A14 Management.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Mari Bergabung dalam Diskusi!
Masuk dengan mudah untuk mulai memberikan komentar, membalas, dan berinteraksi dengan pembaca lainnya.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!