Lando Norris completed 38 laps in McLaren's new Hypercar at Algarve last week, gaining experience with World Endurance Championship machinery while providing feedback to McLaren ahead of their 2027 WEC debut. Norris found the MCL-HY impressive and noted significant differences from his regular Formula 1 car, describing it as heavier with less downforce but still quick and exciting to drive.
The McLaren driver was particularly struck by the greater setup flexibility available in the Hypercar compared to Formula 1. He explained that WEC regulations allow more scope for electronic adjustments and car modifications than current F1 rules permit, comparing the technical freedom to old-school Formula 1 when regulations were less restrictive. Two of McLaren's confirmed 2027 WEC drivers, Mikkel Jensen and Laurens Vanthoor, joined Norris at the Portuguese test.
Norris emphasized that his primary motivation for the test was personal development rather than preparation for a potential WEC career, stating that everything he does when driving other cars aims to improve his Formula 1 performance. When asked about potentially racing at Le Mans in 2027, Norris firmly stated he has not been considering it, stressing that Formula 1 remains his complete focus and he would never sacrifice anything in F1 for other racing opportunities.