F1 Champion Norris Completes First Full Test in McLaren Hypercar

F1 Champion Norris Completes First Full Test in McLaren’s Le Mans Hypercar

Lando Norris, the reigning Formula 1 champion, completed his first full-fledged test in the McLaren MCL-HY Le Mans Hypercar at Portimao on September 12, 2026. Following a challenging Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit over the weekend, where he missed out on victory due to an ill-timed Virtual Safety Car, Norris headed to Portugal for a one-day test.
During the test, the Briton completed 38 laps of the Algarve International Circuit, accumulating a total of 177 miles in the V6-powered vehicle. McLaren reported that his test program included several developmental items and that he provided valuable feedback based on his extensive F1 experience. Norris was joined by McLaren’s 2027 drivers, Mikkel Jensen and Laurens Vanthoor, who were also engaged in development work ahead of the British car manufacturer’s Hypercar debut in 2027.
"First of all, a big thanks to the McLaren Hypercar Team for letting me drive the MCL-HY,” Norris commented. “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 are 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.”
Monday’s test followed Norris’s initial sampling of the MCL-HY at its public debut during the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July. McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown had previously expressed interest in fielding both Norris and Oscar Piastri in the World Endurance Championship’s prestigious event, contingent on the team’s ability to manage an additional third car. A potential Le Mans appearance for Norris hinges on no conflicts with his Formula 1 obligations next year.
The full 2027 WEC calendar was already revealed three months ago, with Le Mans scheduled for June 12-13, 2027, while F1 has yet to publish its schedule due to ongoing issues in West Asia.
McLaren Hypercar team principal James Barclay hinted at the possibility of more test outings for Norris in the future, although he did not explicitly mention any race entries. “We are all racers at McLaren Racing, and competing in Formula 1, INDYCAR, and the World Endurance Championship creates exciting cross-series opportunities,” Barclay noted.
"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. 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."