Lando Norris has been behind the wheel of the all-new McLaren Hypercar for the second time this year.
McLaren will make its Hypercar class World Endurance Championship debut in 2027 with its MCL-HY and Norris first drove the car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this year.
That run at Goodwood was at slow speeds, since it was a demonstration run. But the Formula 1 world champion has now had the opportunity to drive the car at full racing speeds, having conducted testing with the machine at Portimao earlier this week.
There has been speculation for several weeks that Norris could potentially take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with McLaren next year, and this latest test has only fuelled that speculation.
Right now, McLaren hasn't confirmed its full driver-lineup and it is understood that the Woking-based team is waiting on the full IndyCar and F1 calendars to be released before making any full commitments.
That's because incoming IndyCar driver Scott Dixon could also potentially drive with the team at Le Mans in June next year.
McLaren confirmed that Norris completed 38 laps of the Portimao circuit in the MCL-HY and tested development parts for the team.
Speaking about his time in the car, 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.
“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.
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"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.”
McLaren Hypercar Team Principal James Barclay added that it didn't take long for the F1 world champion to get settled in the Hypercar.
"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.”
Lando Norris has been behind the wheel of the all-new McLaren Hypercar for the second time this year.
McLaren will make its Hypercar class World Endurance Championship debut in 2027 with its MCL-HY and Norris first drove the car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this year.
That run at Goodwood was at slow speeds, since it was a demonstration run. But the Formula 1 world champion has now had the opportunity to drive the car at full racing speeds, having conducted testing with the machine at Portimao earlier this week.
There has been speculation for several weeks that Norris could potentially take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with McLaren next year, and this latest test has only fuelled that speculation.
Right now, McLaren hasn't confirmed its full driver-lineup and it is understood that the Woking-based team is waiting on the full IndyCar and F1 calendars to be released before making any full commitments.
That's because incoming IndyCar driver Scott Dixon could also potentially drive with the team at Le Mans in June next year.
McLaren confirmed that Norris completed 38 laps of the Portimao circuit in the MCL-HY and tested development parts for the team.
Speaking about his time in the car, 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.
“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.
Sign up for The Pit Stop Endurance
Incredible stories from across the world of endurance racing
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"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.”
McLaren Hypercar Team Principal James Barclay added that it didn't take long for the F1 world champion to get settled in the Hypercar.
"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.”
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