Lando Norris completes first full test of McLaren MCL-HY at Autdromo Internacional do Algarve Lando Norris has completed his first full test of McLaren's new MCL-HY Le Mans Hypercar at the Autdromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimao, Portugal. The test took place as McLaren get ready for its 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) programme. The British driver completed 38 laps and 285km in the V6-bybrid hypercar. 

He also shared the Portimao circuit with McLaren WEC drivers Mikkel Jensen and Laurens Vanthoor who will also compete for the team when it enters the series from 2027. 

McLaren drivers help off-season testing Prior to his last lap, McLaren tested various development items on the car at the Portimao circuit. While Jensen and Vanthoor drove as part of the team to test the hypercar's development programme, Norris was able to provide feedback from his experience in F1. Having an F1 driver in the car for further outings offers McLaren an additional source of feedback ahead of its WEC programme. 

What is the McLaren 2027 WEC driver line-up?

Vanthoor and Jensen will run for McLaren in its 2027 WEC programme and are currently working on development of the team's MCL-HY hypercar which will be entered into the WEC in 2027. 

As part of the development process for the WEC programme, the two drivers took the MCL-HY around Portugal as McLaren continued to prepare the car for the race series. 

What is next for Norris with McLaren?

It is unclear whether Norris could get more time in the MCL-HY before McLaren's debut in the WEC series but McLaren WEC project team principal James Barclay has spoken about the potential for more run-outs. 

The F1 driver has already tested the car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed as part of a public demonstration so the Portimao session was the first full test for him in the hypercar. The additional testing will continue ahead of WEC 2027 in Portimao. Next year's 24 Hours of Le Mans will take place on 12 and 13 June. 

With the 2027 F1 calendar yet to be announced, it is hard to tell if or when Norris might race at Le Mans but for now he is limited to testing work with McLaren's hypercar programme. 

The 2027 Le Mans 24 Hours will be held on 12 and 13 June next year. It is too early to tell if Norris will participate in the race but at present, his involvement is solely in testing work as part of the McLaren WEC programme.

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Tanu