After the Spanish Grand Prix, Lando Norris travelled to Portugal to test McLaren's new Hypercar. See the photos here! Norris finished third at the Madring a day ago after qualifying on pole position. The Briton led the race after the start but dropped to third because he could not take advantage of a Virtual Safety Car, unlike Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen.
Today, the Briton was back in action at the Portimão circuit, where he tested McLaren's new Hypercar. The Woking-based outfit will enter the
WEC with this car starting with the 2027 season.
Norris said: "First of all, a big thanks to the McLaren Hypercar Team for letting me drive the MCL-HY. 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." James Barclay, the team boss of the McLaren hypercar team added:
"We are all racers at McLaren Racing, and competing in Formula 1, INDYCAR and the World Endurance Championship creates exciting cross-series opportunities. Lando was keen to drive the MCL-HY beyond his Goodwood Hill run, so we invited him to join our private Portimão test."Barclay also explained that the data gathered by Norris helps the team a lot. "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."
Norris tests McLaren's new hypercar: Photos