Norris completes first full test of the McLaren MCL-HY at Portimão
Lando Norris completed his first full test session in the McLaren MCL-HY on Monday, September 14, running 38 laps at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão and covering 177 miles. The session took place the day after the Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit, where an ill-timed virtual safety car cost Norris the race lead from pole position and he finished third. Kimi Antonelli won in Madrid for his eighth victory of the season, with Max Verstappen second and Norris third. Antonelli now leads the championship by 81 points over George Russell, while Norris sits fourth behind Lewis Hamilton.
McLaren said his program included evaluating development items and feeding back his F1 experience to support the car's continued development. The 2027 race drivers Mikkel Jensen and Laurens Vanthoor were also present and carried out further development work during the same session.
Norris's first proper run in an LMDh car
Norris had previously driven the MCL-HY in a brief demonstration run up the Goodwood hillclimb at its public debut in July. Portimão was a different proposition: a full private test day with a structured development program.
"First of all, a big thanks to the McLaren Hypercar Team for letting me drive the MCL-HY," Norris said. "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."
He also noted how long it had been since he last tested anything outside of an F1 car. "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."
McLaren Hypercar team principal James Barclay said the invitation followed directly from Norris's interest after Goodwood. "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."
Barclay left open the possibility of further outings, without specifying any race appearance.
About the MCL-HY
The MCL-HY is McLaren's entry into the LMDh regulations, built around a Dallara chassis and powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 mid-engine producing 697 horsepower. McLaren is scheduled to enter the FIA World Endurance Championship's top class starting in 2027, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The full 2027 WEC calendar, published roughly three months before this test, places Le Mans on the weekend of June 12–13. The 2027 F1 calendar has not yet been announced.
Le Mans possibility remains open, not confirmed
Norris has said on more than one occasion that he wants to race at Le Mans eventually. In a video posted to McLaren's YouTube channel in May 2026, he said: "I still feel like I want to go and try other things. Do Le Mans, now McLaren are doing Le Mans, so maybe go and do that at some point. But I don't know. I'm still young, so I've not thought of everything just yet."
He also told reporters during the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend that he would love to take on Le Mans. McLaren Racing's Zak Brown has previously expressed interest in potentially running both Norris and Oscar Piastri in the WEC, which would require an additional third car. Any appearance by Norris at Le Mans would depend on the F1 and WEC calendars not conflicting.
For now, McLaren has not announced any plans for Norris to race in WEC. The Portimão test was a development session, held a week before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
As a footnote: Portimão is also set to return to the F1 calendar in 2027 for the first time since 2021.
FAQ
How many laps did Norris complete at Portimão?
Norris ran 38 laps of the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, covering 177 miles during the one-day test on September 14, 2026.
What is the McLaren MCL-HY?
The MCL-HY is McLaren's LMDh hypercar, built on a Dallara chassis and powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 mid-engine producing 697 horsepower. It is intended to race in the FIA World Endurance Championship's top class from 2027, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Who else tested the MCL-HY at Portimão?
Mikkel Jensen and Laurens Vanthoor, McLaren's designated 2027 WEC race drivers, were also part of the test and continued their own development program during the session.
Will Norris race at Le Mans?
McLaren has not announced any plans for Norris to compete in WEC or at Le Mans. Norris has said publicly he would like to race there at some point, and McLaren's James Barclay indicated he would be welcome back in the car, but no race entry has been confirmed.