After an acclimatisation run, Norris completed 38 laps of the 4.653 km Autódromo Internacional do Algarve. His programme included development work ahead of McLaren’s 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship entry and return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The test followed Norris’ earlier Goodwood Hill appearance in the MCL-HY, but Portimão provided a more representative development programme.
Norris worked alongside McLaren Racing factory driver Mikkel Jensen and Laurens Vanthoor, the 2024 FIA World Endurance Hypercar Drivers’ Champion, who officially joins the team from 2027.
Norris: It was very special
Norris said: “First of all, a big thanks to the McLaren Hypercar Team for letting me drive the MCL-HY. 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 this 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 now, 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 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,” Norris added.
We are all racers
McLaren Hypercar Team Principal James Barclay said Norris adapted quickly and delivered useful feedback: “We are all racers at McLaren Racing, and competing in Formula 1, Indycar and the World Endurance Championship creates exciting cross-series opportunities.
“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 the team, we wish him every success for the rest of the Formula 1 season, and we look forward to welcoming him back into the McLaren Hypercar Team soon,” Barclay concluded.
The Portimão mileage marked another step in McLaren’s MCL-HY development programme before its planned 2027 WEC and Le Mans campaign.