History unleashed: Norris debuts McLaren MCL-HY at Goodwood

©Instagram/ZakBrown

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©Instagram/ZakBrown

McLaren’s future Le Mans contender – the MCL-HY Hypercar – enjoyed its very first public outing on Friday at Goodwood’s Festival of Speed, and the Woking squad didn't hold back for the occasion.

None other than reigning Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris was strapped into the cockpit to tame the raw endurance beast on the iconic run up the hill.

Draped in a striking papaya livery honoring the legendary Bruce McLaren, the MCL-HY represents the British team’s first true bid for overall glory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans since the iconic F1 GTR era.

McLaren even paused an intense testing program just to give fans at the FOS a historic first look before its official World Endurance Championship entry in 2027.

Taking to Instagram to celebrate the moment, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown couldn't hide his immense pride.

“Awesome to see the @mclarenhypercarteam MCL-HY make its public debut ahead of our WEC entry in 2027. What better way to introduce our challenger to the world than a run up the hill at @fosgoodwood with the reigning F1 World Champion behind the wheel!”

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.