Lando Norris will not participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2027 despite the speculation that arose after his recent test behind the wheel of McLaren’s new Hypercar: it is now official.
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It has been confirmed that the British driver will not start the next edition of the classic race in Le Mans.
The day after the Spanish Grand Prix, Norris went to Portugal to take the wheel of the MCL-HY, the new Hypercar with which McLaren will make its return to the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2027.
An exciting test
At the Portimão circuit, the Formula 1 driver completed a 38-lap program aimed at evaluating different components and collecting data to continue the development of the car: “It was great of them to give me the chance to have some fun and try something new, especially during this very busy preparation period for next year”, explained Norris.
Beyond the pleasure of discovering a new machine, the Briton believes he was able to make an interesting contribution to the development program thanks to his Formula 1 experience: “I think we also gathered valuable data and I hope I was able to provide a different feel, feedback, and another perspective on certain things, which is useful for the team during this crucial testing period.”
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This day mainly allowed him to step out of his usual environment while staying within McLaren: “Being able to try something different, while staying within the McLaren family, was really very special.”
Door open for the future
Norris does not hide his desire to get back behind the wheel of the MCL-HY in the future: “It was a fun day in a fast car, on a nice circuit, while helping the team prepare for the start of the WEC next year. A big thank you to everyone involved, I look forward to getting back behind the wheel of this car in the future.”
This test had naturally fueled speculation about a possible participation of the F1 world champion in the 24 Hours of Le Mans as early as 2027. The Formula 1 calendar also presents no conflict with the French event.
However, Norris would have needed special permission to participate in the race alongside his Formula 1 commitments. But McLaren has now decided: despite his successful Hypercar test and enthusiasm for the program, the world champion will not compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2027.
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