Lando Norris returned to the cockpit of McLaren Racing’s new MCL-HY Hypercar in Portugal yesterday (14 September) as part of the British marque’s ongoing preparations for its 2027 debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship’s top-tier – and the reigning Formula 1 World Champion is already eyeing another run.
Norris was behind the wheel of the striking papaya prototype for its first public outing at Goodwood’s Festival of Speed earlier in the summer. Fresh off the back of securing pole position and a podium finish for McLaren Mastercard Formula1 Team in last weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuito de Madring in Madrid, the British star travelled to Portimão’s Autódromo Internacional do Algarve to join McLaren Hypercar Team for the MCL-HY’s fifth track test.
Following an initial acclimatisation run, Norris completed 38 laps of the 4.653km layout, with his programme including a number of development items and generating vital feedback. The 26-year-old worked alongside fellow McLaren Racing factory driver, Mikkel Jensen and 2024 FIA World Endurance Champion, Laurens Vanthoor, who will officially join the squad from the start of next year.
“First of all, a big thanks to McLaren Hypercar Team for letting me drive the MCL-HY,” enthused Norris, who sits fourth in the Formula 1 standings with nine grands prix remaining this season. “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 the 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, 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 to prepare for the start of FIA WEC next year. I can’t wait to get back in the car in the future!”
McLaren’s eagerly-anticipated return to international endurance racing’s very highest level will see the brand bid to recreate former glories, having famously triumphed on its debut in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans back in 1995 with the F1 GTR. Team Principal, James Barclay professed himself pleased with Norris’ contribution to the current project.
“We’re all racers at McLaren Racing, and competing in Formula 1, IndyCar and the World Endurance Championship creates exciting cross-series opportunities,” he commented. “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 us, we wish him every success for the rest of the Formula 1 season and we look forward to welcoming him back into McLaren Hypercar Team soon.”
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