News Summary

Lando Norris is back behind the wheel of McLaren’s MCL-HY at Portimão on Monday as speculation continues over whether the Formula 1 world champion could eventually race for the manufacturer at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The test at the Algarve International Circuit represents Norris’ first proper circuit running in McLaren’s new LMDh prototype after he drove the car during its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July. The MCL-HY is being developed for McLaren’s return to the top class of the World Endurance Championship in 2027.

The timing is particularly interesting after McLaren Hypercar team principal James Barclay revealed that the manufacturer has deliberately avoided completing its driver line-up too early.

“We’ve kept some options open before we lock those decisions in because we have the time,” Barclay said.

“We’ve got a fantastic core group of drivers that we’re super excited about, and then we’ve also got some seats that we wanted to keep open for longer while we’ve got the opportunity to do broader evaluations.”

Could Norris race for McLaren at Le Mans?

McLaren has so far confirmed Mikkel Jensen and Laurens Vanthoor for its 2027 WEC programme, leaving further positions available.

Norris has made no secret of his interest in endurance racing. Earlier this year, he specifically mentioned Le Mans when discussing competitions he would like to experience outside Formula 1.

McLaren’s return makes that ambition particularly relevant. The Briton already has experience in endurance racing, having contested the 2018 Daytona 24 Hours alongside Fernando Alonso and Phil Hanson.

Monday’s Portimão appearance does not mean Norris has been selected for the 2027 Le Mans 24 Hours. McLaren has made no such announcement, and Barclay’s comments refer more broadly to the team’s driver evaluation process.

But giving Norris meaningful track time in the MCL-HY provides McLaren with an opportunity to assess his feedback and adaptation to the prototype while development continues.

McLaren says Hypercar programme is on schedule

The MCL-HY has been testing since May as McLaren and United Autosports prepare for one of the most competitive Hypercar fields in WEC history.

The car uses a Dallara-based LMDh chassis and McLaren-developed 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, combined with the category’s standardised hybrid system.

Barclay recently said McLaren had already completed a 30-hour endurance test and described the early signs from the programme as positive.

“The base of the car is really positive, and the fact that we’re on schedule and don’t have any roadblocks is equally important,” he said.

However, Barclay has also cautioned against drawing conclusions about McLaren’s competitiveness before the car actually races.

McLaren will return to the top class at Le Mans 32 years after winning the race outright on its debut with the F1 GTR in 1995.

Whether Norris eventually becomes part of that story remains open. For now, Monday’s Portimão test gives both driver and team a considerably more representative opportunity to work together than their first MCL-HY outing at Goodwood.

FAQ

Is Lando Norris testing McLaren’s WEC Hypercar?

Yes. Norris is driving McLaren’s MCL-HY at Portimão on Monday, September 14 as development continues ahead of the manufacturer’s 2027 WEC entry.

Could Lando Norris race at Le Mans in 2027?

It is possible, but nothing has been confirmed. Norris has expressed interest in racing at Le Mans, while McLaren has deliberately kept some places in its 2027 driver line-up open.

Who will drive for McLaren in WEC in 2027?

McLaren has confirmed Mikkel Jensen and Laurens Vanthoor. Further drivers for its 2027 Hypercar programme have yet to be announced.