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Lando Norris Tests McLaren MCL‑HY at Portimão as Hypercar Program Moves Forward

Norris’s private track session gave McLaren direct driver feedback to help finalise car development and preparation for 2027 competition.

Overview

  • McLaren hosted Lando Norris for a private Portimão test on Monday where he completed 38 laps and returned driver-focused data to the Hypercar team.
  • The MCL‑HY is a Dallara‑chassied hypercar powered by a mid‑mounted V6 twin‑turbo rated at 697 hp and is being prepared for the 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship and 24 Hours of Le Mans.
  • Team principal James Barclay said Norris adapted quickly and provided valuable feedback that will feed into the car’s remaining development and homologation work.
  • McLaren has confirmed two race seats remain unfilled for 2027 and is weighing cross‑series availability, with Scott Dixon’s involvement dependent on the NTT IndyCar calendar and McLaren’s F1 commitments.
  • The Portimão outing follows earlier milestones — a 30‑plus‑hour test at Motorland Aragón and a Goodwood run — and highlights how McLaren’s multi‑series strategy creates testing benefits and scheduling challenges for driver selection.