News Summary

Lando Norris will not race for McLaren in the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans despite testing the manufacturer’s new Hypercar in Portugal, according to a report published by GPblog on Thursday.

The possibility of Norris joining McLaren’s Le Mans line-up gathered momentum after the reigning Formula 1 champion drove the MCL-HY at Portimão. However, the report states that McLaren has decided against entering its F1 driver in next year’s edition of the endurance classic.

Norris travelled to Portugal following the Spanish Grand Prix and joined McLaren’s fifth test with the car that will compete in the World Endurance Championship from 2027.

After an initial familiarisation run, the Briton completed a 38-lap programme around the 4.653km Algarve circuit. McLaren used the session to evaluate components and collect further development data ahead of the MCL-HY’s competition debut.

Factory driver Mikkel Jensen and Laurens Vanthoor, who is expected to form part of McLaren’s WEC line-up, also worked with Norris during 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,” Norris said.

“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.”

The outing was Norris’s first serious test in machinery outside Formula 1 for some time. Although he expressed an interest in driving the prototype again, his remarks did not include any commitment to racing it.

“The fact I got to try something different, especially still as part of the McLaren family, was very special,” he added. “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.”

The newly announced 2027 F1 calendar does not contain a direct clash with Le Mans, opening a theoretical window for an active grand prix driver to contest the race. F1 is scheduled to visit Portimão one week after the French event.

Even so, McLaren has reportedly ruled out placing Norris in the MCL-HY for Le Mans. His involvement remains limited to development work, with the manufacturer yet to reveal its complete race line-up.

McLaren will return to the top category at Le Mans for the first time since 1998. Its only overall victory came on its debut in 1995, when the McLaren F1 GTR driven by JJ Lehto, Yannick Dalmas and Masanori Sekiya won in exceptionally wet conditions.

Norris, meanwhile, remains focused on McLaren’s Formula 1 programme. The Briton recently discussed how the new Monaco Sprint will force drivers to take risks earlier during race weekends from 2027.

Could the 24 Hours of Le Mans leave the WEC?

Yes, but no separation has been confirmed. If the FIA replaces the ACO as WEC promoter and the organisations do not renew the separate agreement covering Le Mans, the race could cease to count towards the championship.

Is the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans at risk of cancellation?

No. The reported dispute concerns Le Mans’ position within the WEC, not whether the race will take place. The ACO has already announced the 2027 event for June 9–13.

Who currently promotes the World Endurance Championship?

Le Mans Endurance Management, a subsidiary of the ACO, operates the WEC under its partnership with the FIA. Auto Motor und Sport reports that the governing body is considering a new promoter after the existing agreements expired.