Norris Tests McLaren Hypercar

Lando Norris traded his usual single-seater for a sports car on Tuesday, joining the McLaren Hypercar Team at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão. This marked the fifth track test for the MCL-HY FIA Hypercar.

Norris arrived in Portugal directly from the first-ever Formula 1 race on the new Circuito de Madring, where he secured pole position and a podium finish. Following a notable run up the Goodwood Hill in the MCL-HY's initial public demonstration, the 26-year-old joined the Hypercar team and their seasoned World Endurance Championship drivers at a development test. The team is preparing for the 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship season.

After an initial acclimatization lap, Norris completed 38 laps around the 4.653 km track in the McLaren prototype. This car is slated to compete in the 2027 WEC and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. His session included testing various development components, providing the team with crucial feedback from the reigning Formula 1 champion.

Norris worked alongside fellow McLaren Racing factory driver and multiple championship winner Mikkel Jensen. Laurens Vanthoor, the 2024 FIA World Endurance Hypercar Drivers' Champion, who officially joins the team in 2027, also participated in the test. This outing represents another step in the MCL-HY's successful development program as McLaren prepares for its return to the premier class of international endurance racing.

“First and foremost, a huge thank you to the team for allowing me to drive the MCL-HY,” Norris stated. “It was fantastic they offered me the opportunity to have some fun and try something different, especially during their busy preparations for next year.

“I believe we also gathered some valuable data, and I hope I could offer a fresh perspective with my comments and feelings, which should be helpful for the team during this critical testing phase.

“Personally, it was exciting to collaborate with this team and experience new machinery. I haven't had a proper test in anything other than an F1 car for years, so getting the chance to try something different, while still being part of the McLaren family, felt very special. It was an enjoyable day driving a fast car on an interesting track, assisting the team in their preparation for the WEC season start next year. My thanks to everyone involved; I'm eager to get back in the car again in the future.”

“At McLaren Racing, we are all competitors, and our involvement in Formula 1, INDYCAR, and the World Endurance Championship creates compelling opportunities across different series,” commented James Barclay, Team Principal, McLaren Hypercar Team. “Lando expressed a strong desire to drive the MCL-HY beyond his Goodwood Hill run, so we invited him to join our private test in Portimão.

“As we anticipated, he adapted very quickly, integrated smoothly, and provided valuable feedback to support the car's development. It was a pleasure to have him with the team. We wish him all the best for the remainder of the Formula 1 season and look forward to his return to the team soon.”