Norris Tests McLaren MCL-HY at Portimao

Photo: Drew Gibson/McLaren

Reigning Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris joined the McLaren Hypercar team at Portimao on Monday, turning his first laps of the McLaren MCL-HY.

Norris traveled to Portugal straight from last weekend’s Formula 1 race in Madrid, joining the team’s already confirmed drivers Mikkel Jensen and Laurens Vanthoor in the fifth track test outing for the Dallara-chassied LMDh-based car.

The 26-year-old completed a total of 38 laps over the course of the day, in what came in his first track test with the car after first taking the Hypercar entry up the hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.

Norris’ program included “a number of development items” where he provided the team with “valuable feedback” according to a statement from the British manufacturer.

“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.”

Norris, with the backing of McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, has expressed interest in taking part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the future, although it’s unclear if it could happen as early as next year, since the 2027 F1 schedule has yet to be released.

McLaren Hypercar team principal James Barclay previously told Sportscar365 that they’re waiting to secure the final two drivers for the 2027 Hypercar program, and is believed to also be waiting on the full publication of the NTT IndyCar Series calendar to see if the manufacturer’s new recruit, Scott Dixon, could also be in the frame for a Le Mans drive.

“We are all racers at McLaren Racing, and competing in Formula 1, IndyCar and the World Endurance Championship creates exciting cross-series opportunities,” said Barclay. “Lando was keen to drive the MCL-HY beyond his Goodwood Hill run, so we invited him to join our private Portimao 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.”

Photo: Drew Gibson

Photo: Drew Gibson

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