Lando Norris swapped Formula 1 machinery for McLaren’s new MCL-HY Hypercar on Monday, completing a serious 38-lap development test at Portimão as the British manufacturer continues preparations for its 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship debut.
Fresh from his Spanish Grand Prix commitments in Madrid, the reigning Formula 1 world champion travelled directly to Portugal to work with the McLaren Hypercar Team and United Autosports. Unlike his previous demonstration run at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, this was a genuine test session designed to contribute to the development of McLaren’s future WEC challenger.
Lando Norris completes 38 laps in McLaren MCL-HY at Portimão
Norris had already driven the MCL-HY during the Goodwood Festival of Speed in June, but his latest appearance behind the wheel was considerably more significant. At the 4.653km Algarve International Circuit, the 26-year-old completed 38 laps as McLaren continued to gather data on the Dallara-based prototype.
The MCL-HY, which will compete in the Hypercar class of the FIA World Endurance Championship next season, is powered by an engine developed by ATM-AutoTecnica Motori. Norris was able to observe first-hand how McLaren and United Autosports are progressing with the development programme before the car goes through its homologation procedures later in the year.
He also exchanged impressions, information and technical feedback with factory drivers Mikkel Jensen and Laurens Vanthoor, who are involved in the final stages of preparing the car for its competition debut.
“First of all, a big thank you to the team for allowing me to drive the MCL-HY,” Norris said. “It was fantastic of them to give me the opportunity to have a bit of fun and try something new, especially during their intense preparations for next year.”
Norris hopes his F1 experience can help McLaren’s WEC project
The test gave Norris an opportunity to offer a different perspective during an important development phase for the new programme.
“I think we also collected some valuable data and I hope I was able to provide a range of different feelings, comments and points of view that can be useful to the team during this crucial testing period,” Norris explained.
For Norris himself, the experience was also unusual. Despite his extensive Formula 1 career and his continued development as a driver — something he has previously discussed when explaining how he has evolved during the 2026 season — he had not completed a proper test in a fundamentally different type of racing car for several years.
“For me personally, it was fantastic to work with this team, and it was exciting to try a new car as well. It’s been years since I’ve done a proper test in anything other than a Formula 1 single-seater, so being able to try something different, while still remaining part of the McLaren family, was really special.”
“It was a fun day in a fast car on a fantastic track, helping the team prepare for the start of next year’s WEC. A big thank you to everyone involved, and I’m looking forward to getting back behind the wheel in the future.”
James Barclay praises Norris’s rapid adaptation
McLaren Hypercar Team principal James Barclay was equally positive about Norris’s contribution, highlighting the opportunities created by McLaren’s presence across Formula 1, IndyCar and endurance racing.
“At McLaren we are all racers, and competing in F1, IndyCar and WEC creates exciting opportunities that cross over between the different series,” James Barclay said. “Lando was keen to drive the MCL-HY beyond his run on the Goodwood hillclimb, so we invited him to join our private testing at Portimão.”
“As we expected, he adapted very quickly, integrated perfectly and provided valuable feedback to support the development of the car. It was a pleasure to have him with us in the team, we wish him every success for the remainder of the F1 season and we look forward to welcoming him back as soon as possible.”
Norris returns to his Formula 1 programme with McLaren continuing to chase Mercedes through the closing stages of the season, having already planned further developments around the Baku weekend.
McLaren continues preparations for 2027 WEC debut
McLaren is expected to return to the track for further Hypercar testing over the coming weeks as development of the MCL-HY intensifies ahead of homologation and its 2027 race debut.
Announcements concerning the expected signings of Malthe Jakobsen and Alex Lynn are also awaited. Both drivers must first complete their respective 2026 WEC commitments with Peugeot and Cadillac before beginning any new challenge with McLaren.
For now, Norris’s Portimão appearance has provided McLaren with another valuable set of data and a different technical perspective from one of the leading drivers in Formula 1, while also giving the reigning world champion an opportunity to experience a very different type of racing machinery without leaving the McLaren family.
