Lando Norris is expected to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2027. The current Formula 1 champion sparked speculation about a possible participation after testing McLaren’s new Hypercar, but according to the international portal GPBlog, the Brit is out of the next edition of the traditional race.
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The rumors started after Norris had the opportunity to drive the MCL-HY in Portimão, Portugal. The test took place right after the Spanish GP, in Madrid, and marked the fifth activity of McLaren’s new car before its debut in the World Endurance Championship.
Norris needed only one initial lap to adapt to the Hypercar before completing a 38-lap program on the 4.653-kilometer circuit. During the activity, he evaluated different components, while the team took advantage of the test to collect important data for the car’s development.
The Brit shared the work with Mikkel Jensen and Laurens Vanthoor, factory drivers who will represent the Woking team in the WEC next year.
“It was great they gave me the chance to have some fun and try something new, especially during their intense preparations for next year,” said Norris.
Besides the different experience behind the wheel, the driver believes he also managed to contribute to the project’s development by bringing the team impressions different from those his regular drivers could provide.
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“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 during this crucial testing period.”
For Norris, the test also had a special meaning as it represented a rare opportunity to drive something different from a Formula 1 car. “The fact that I had the chance to try something different, especially still as part of the McLaren family, was very special.”
The world champion also made it clear that he would like to return to the MCL-HY at some point. “It was a fun day in a fast car on a cool track, helping the team prepare for the start of the WEC next year. A big thank you to everyone involved, I can’t wait to get back in the car in the future.”
The possibility of a new test, however, ended up being associated with a possible participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. After the activity in Portimão, several speculations arose about when Norris could return to the Hypercar, with some rumors even pointing to a presence in the 2027 race.
The situation seemed possible on paper. In next season’s calendar, no Formula 1 weekend coincides with Le Mans, although Norris would still need an exceptional exemption from the organizers to participate in the race.
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