Lando Norris completes rare non-F1 test as endurance door kept wide open

Lando Norris has completed a test in McLaren's new hypercar, which is set to join the World Endurance Championship (WEC) next year.

The reigning Formula 1 world champion headed to Portimao following his agonising defeat in the Spanish Grand Prix, where he got to grips with the MCL-HY.

Norris managed 38 laps of the circuit following an acclimatisation run, with his programme having included a number of development items to deliver feedback to the team.

He worked alongside McLaren Racing factory driver Mikkel Jensen, while Laurens Vanthoor, who will join the outfit in 2027, was also present at the track test.

Like Max Verstappen, Norris has not kept it a secret that he has significant interest in making a future appearance in the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Testing McLaren's new hypercar keeps a door to that very much wide open and offers the British team a chance to see what he is capable of.

"First of all, a big thanks to the McLaren Hypercar Team for letting me drive the MCL-HY," said Norris. 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 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."

Lando Norris makes instant impact in McLaren WEC test

Norris' appearance in Portugal was not his first outing in McLaren's new hypercar, as the F1 driver took it up the iconic Goodwood hill during the summer. 

McLaren's hypercar team offered Norris the opportunity following Goodwood, where he showed significant interest at driving it again.

"We are all racers at McLaren Racing, and competing in Formula 1, IndyCar and the World Endurance Championship creates exciting cross-series opportunities," said Ian James, McLaren WEC team principal. 

"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 the team, 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."