Lando Norris, current Formula 1 champion, has conducted his first full test with the McLaren MCL-HY Le Mans Hypercar at the Portimao circuit in Portugal. This test took place on Monday, following the Spanish Grand Prix held the previous weekend.
During the testing day, Norris completed 38 laps, accumulating a total of 177 miles with the vehicle equipped with a V6 engine. His testing program included several development elements, leveraging his extensive F1 experience to provide valuable feedback.
Accompanying Norris on this day were McLaren’s 2027 drivers, Mikkel Jensen and Laurens Vanthoor, who continued the development work ahead of the British brand’s hypercars debut.
The British driver expressed his gratitude to the team: ‘Thanks to the McLaren Hypercar team for allowing me to drive the MCL-HY. It was a great opportunity to try something new and collaborate with the team during this important preparation period.’
The Portimao test was the second occasion Norris was behind the wheel of the MCL-HY, having previously participated in its public presentation at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last July.
Zak Brown, McLaren Racing’s director, had previously expressed interest in having both Norris and Oscar Piastri compete at the iconic Le Mans event, although this will depend on the availability of a third car and the absence of conflicts with the F1 schedule.
The complete calendar for the 2027 World Endurance Championship has already been announced, with Le Mans scheduled for June 12 and 13, while the F1 calendar has yet to be published due to tensions in the Middle East.
James Barclay, head of the McLaren Hypercar team, left the door open for future collaborations with Norris: ‘We are competitors at McLaren Racing, and competing in different championships creates exciting opportunities for our drivers. Lando was very motivated to drive beyond his first appearance,’ he said.
In conclusion, the testing day at Portimao has been a decisive step in McLaren’s preparation for its WEC debut, and fans are eagerly awaiting Norris’ possible participation in the legendary Le Mans, provided his schedule allows it.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
