From Formula 1 WDC to Le Mans : Lando Norris and the Hypercar test

Lando Norris has now taken the wheel of the MCL-HY Hypercar for the second time.Norris took part in the test immediately after his race weekend at Madrid’s brand-new circuit, Circuito de Madring, where he managed to secure pole position in qualifying and finish third in the race. He first climbed into the upcoming iconic papaya-colored hypercar earlier this summer during the Goodwood Festival of Speed. This time, however, he decided to take part in an official test at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão alongside the entire McLaren Hypercar team. This was already the fifth official track test for the new hypercar.

The test also included the drivers who are set to race the car throughout next season as part of the FIA World Endurance Championship, namely the already well-known champion Laurens Vanthoor and Mikkel Jensen.

After completing his initial acclimatization lap, Lando Norris completed 38 laps, with the circuit measuring 4.653 km in length. During the test, he worked on several areas of the car and provided valuable feedback, which is extremely important for the team at this stage of the development process. Working alongside him and providing feedback were McLaren Racing factory driver Mikkel Jensen and 2024 FIA World Endurance champion Laurens Vanthoor.

“First of all, a big thanks to McLaren Hypercar Team for letting me drive the MCL-HY,” enthused Norris, who sits fourth in the Formula 1 standings with nine grands prix remaining this season. “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 the 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, 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 to prepare for the start of FIA WEC next year. I can’t wait to get back in the car in the future!” said Lando Norris.

McLaren has high expectations for its Hypercar program and is now entering what is almost the final stage of testing for the new car. Many fans have been eagerly awaiting McLaren’s return to endurance racing for a long time, and the team is already building a significant fanbase even before it has officially entered competition. We also cannot forget McLaren’s legendary 1995 Le Mans victory with the iconic F1 GTR. Many are therefore hoping that McLaren will be able to follow in the footsteps of its historic success. The team’s new principal, James Barclay, praised Norris for his contribution. 

“We’re all racers at McLaren Racing, and competing in Formula 1, IndyCar and the World Endurance Championship creates exciting cross-series opportunities,” he commented. “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 us, we wish him every success for the rest of the Formula 1 season and we look forward to welcoming him back into McLaren Hypercar Team soon.”

There is also the possibility that Lando Norris could use McLaren’s Hypercar program as part of his attempt to complete the legendary Triple Crown of Motorsport : winning the Monaco Grand Prix (or becoming an F1 World Champion), the Indianapolis 500, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Both Lando Norris and McLaren CEO Zak Brown have mentioned in the past that they see this legendary challenge as a goal for the future. In the history of motorsport, only one driver has previously managed to complete the Triple Crown: Graham Hill. Can Lando Norris become the second..?