McLaren: No Plans for Norris to Drive Again Amid F1 Focus

Photo: Drew Gibson

There are no plans for McLaren Formula 1 champion Lando Norris to race or test the manufacturer’s Hypercar again in the immediate future, despite his successful recent outing in the MCL-HY at Portimao.

Norris completed 38 laps at the wheel of the new McLaren MCL-HY at the Portuguese track last month ahead of the car’s planned debut in next season’s FIA World Endurance Championship.

But, despite the 24 Hours of Le Mans not currently clashing with an F1 event in 2027, McLaren Endurance Racing team principal James Barclay said the squad has now signed its six race drivers for next year with all of them due to test together for the first time at the end of November.

Speaking to reporters at the Barcelona FIA WEC round, when asked about any future plans for Norris to drive the MCL-HY by Sportscar365, Barclay replied: “For now, no. Of course we would love to have him back but he has a very busy program and a very clear priority on Formula 1.

“But it was great that he drove with us. Never say never, if he wants to come and jump in the car again, I know he would like that if schedules allow, but no more than that for now.

“The point is he spent the time and energy to come and it’s great food for thought for the future.

“He has a long career and I have no doubt that at some point in time, he’ll want to tick the box but for now the focus is clearly on Formula 1.”

Barclay said the fact Norris wanted to experience the Hypercar at a proper test following his outing in the car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July demonstrated “how attractive the category is to the world’s top drivers at the moment.”

Barclay said that the reigning F1 champion was straight on the pace at the test and that it was “really interesting” to get his feedback on the MCL-HY.

“We got a good barometer of where the Hypercar and our car has some real strengths and also areas where we can probably make some gains,” he said of Norris’ feelings about the car.

“That was really positive and so much so that he had a flight to catch and he nearly missed his flight because he was enjoying debriefing with us, which was awesome — I had to kick him out the garage to get him on his plane.

“He was really enjoying the technical side of where we are and what we can gain but also what he thought were the real strengths of the car.

“His words were that the car was fast, exciting to drive and you could get to a level quickly but the last bit would be the exciting thing as a driver to unlock.”

Norris’ interest in driving the MCL-HY had raised the question of whether he could potentially tackle Le Mans next year, but that is not on the cards.

Alex Lynn became McLaren’s third driver officially confirmed earlier this week to join the already announced Mikkel Jensen and Laurens Vanthoor.

Current Peugeot racer Malthe Jakobsen is also understood to be joining for next season, while current McLaren F1 reserve Leonardo Fornaroli and fellow Driver Development Program member Gregoire Saucy have been linked with the other seats.

Source: Sports Car 365