Norris trades Spanish GP misery for McLaren Hypercar fun

Lando Norris didn’t waste much time dwelling on his painful Spanish Grand Prix. Barely 24 hours after watching victory slip through his fingers at the Madring, the reigning world champion was back behind the wheel – only this time, he had traded his McLaren F1 car for a very different kind of machine.

The Briton travelled to Portugal on Monday for a full-day test of McLaren’s MCL-HY Le Mans Hypercar at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão, getting his first substantial taste of the V6-powered contender that will spearhead McLaren’s return to the World Endurance Championship in 2027.

Norris completed 38 laps, covering 177 miles as McLaren used the session to evaluate development items and gather feedback from a driver whose recent experience at the sharp end of F1 could offer a useful perspective.

From F1 frustration to Le Mans machinery

The timing made the test particularly appealing for Norris. After his Spanish GP ended in frustration when a badly timed Virtual Safety Car cost him a likely victory, there was little time to brood before another McLaren challenge came calling.

This time, though, the emphasis was on discovery rather than championship points.

Norris was joined by McLaren’s 2027 WEC drivers Mikkel Jensen and Laurens Vanthoor, who continued the team’s development programme while helping the F1 star settle into unfamiliar surroundings.

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

“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.”

A taste of McLaren’s WEC future

The Portimão outing was Norris’ first proper test in the MCL-HY after he sampled the car during its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.

It also adds another intriguing thread to McLaren’s expanding racing programme. With the WEC project gearing up for its 2027 debut, team principal James Barclay made clear that Norris’ enthusiasm for the Hypercar has not gone unnoticed.

“We are all racers at McLaren Racing, and competing in Formula 1, INDYCAR and the World Endurance Championship creates exciting cross-series opportunities,” he said.

“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.”

• Read also: Norris’ cola clash – tells F1 ‘I’m allowed to drink what I want’

That final sentence will inevitably fuel speculation about where Norris’ WEC adventure could lead. McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown has previously expressed interest in putting Norris and Oscar Piastri into the team’s Le Mans effort, although doing so could require McLaren to field a third car.

For now, however, the focus remains firmly on development. Norris’ potential participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans would also depend on next year’s F1 schedule, which has yet to be released, lining up with the WEC blue-riband event on June 12-13.

Either way, Portimão offered Norris a welcome change of scenery – and perhaps the perfect antidote to a Sunday afternoon that left him hurting. After years of knowing little beyond the confines of an F1 cockpit, the reigning champion has now taken another step into McLaren’s endurance future.

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