Lando Norris set to evaluate the McLaren MCL-HY hypercar prior to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Lando Norris is set to evaluate McLaren's new MCL-HY hypercar at the Algarve International Circuit in preparation for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

This session at the Portimao circuit is scheduled for Monday, September 14, and will provide the Woking team with the opportunity to further advance the MCL-HY with insights from the 2025 Formula 1 champion.

The McLaren MCL-HY is the vehicle that will participate in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans starting in 2027. This hypercar, featuring a V6 twin-turbocharged mid-engine that generates 697 horsepower, has been crafted by McLaren, with Dallara responsible for the chassis design.

Norris, who has previously piloted the McLaren MCL-HY at Goodwood, has expressed interest in a future Le Mans participation on several occasions. "You know, I still feel like I want to go and try other things," he mentioned in a video released on the McLaren YouTube channel in May 2026. "Do Le Mans, now that McLaren is entering Le Mans, so perhaps I’ll take part at some point."

"But I don't know. I'm still young, so I haven't considered everything just yet. But, you know, in the future hopefully I have kids and they get into racing or something, and then I can relive that experience."

He also reiterated his enthusiasm for the endurance race during the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, stating to reporters that he would "love" to embrace the challenge.

Lando Norris, McLaren MCL-HY

Norris's anticipated trip to Portugal follows the Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit. Although the Brit started the race from pole position, he lost the lead due to a poorly timed virtual safety car.

Mercedes driver and current championship frontrunner Kimi Antonelli clinched his eighth grand prix victory of the season. He was accompanied on the podium by Red Bull's Max Verstappen, while Norris secured a third-place finish.

Antonelli's win widened his lead in the drivers' championship to 81 points over his teammate George Russell, who is in second place. Norris currently sits fourth, trailing Lewis Hamilton.