Brown: Norris, Piastri Have Expressed Le Mans Interest

Photo: MPS Agency

Zak Brown has revealed that both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have expressed interest in competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans “one day” amid news of McLaren’s recently confirmed Hypercar program.

The participation of McLaren’s two Formula 1 stars, however, would hinge on the French endurance classic not clashing with F1, which has been a commonplace in recent years.

Last weekend’s twice-around-the-clock enduro ran concurrently with the F1 Canadian Grand Prix, while F1’s Barcelona-Catalunya round is also scheduled on the same weekend as Le Mans next year.

When asked by Sportscar365 on the feasibility of the schedules, Brown downplayed of any magic fix in the near future.

“These schedules are hard, with expanded schedules of all the racing series and the knock-on effect of if you move that date, it would have a knock-on effect,” he said.

“I wouldn’t want to be the person responsible for the calendars.

“I think Formula 1 will do everything they can to not conflict with Le Mans.

“Obviously it now conflicts with Indy next year but I think that will only be one of every five years from my understanding.

“I think they’ll try and avoid a conflict.

“But me calling Stefano [Domenicali] saying, ‘I really want to be at Le Mans and Montreal, please don’t conflict’ probably’s not going to hold much weight.”

Brown, however, confirmed that McLaren F1’s two current drivers have expressed interest in the program, at least for a potential bid in the French endurance classic.

“I don’t think they can be in the [full] Hypercar program,” he said.

“Can they do Le Mans? I’ve spoken to both of them about Le Mans. They would like to do Le Mans one of these days.”

Brown revealed that the newly announced McLaren United AS Hypercar squad has yet to sign any drivers ahead of its 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship debut.

Several pilots, including McLaren’s Formula E ace and former Ferrari factory driver Sam Bird and current Ferrari Hypercar star James Calado, have already been linked with the team that will be run by soon-to-be-former Jaguar Formula E boss James Barclay.

Calado’s contract with Ferrari is understood to be up for renewal at the end of this season.

Others, such as United Autosports veteran Oliver Jarvis, have also been suggested as possibilities of being in the mix as well.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John