Reigning Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris completed a full test of McLaren’s new Le Mans hypercar, the MCL‑HY, on Saturday at the Circuit de la Sarthe. According to Autosport and Motorsport.com, Norris spent the day behind the wheel, running a series of laps to evaluate the car’s performance and handling characteristics. The test, which took place in the early afternoon, saw the 28‑year‑old push the MCL‑HY through a mix of high‑speed straights and tight corners, gathering data that will help McLaren refine the car before its debut at the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans.
McLaren’s hypercar, a joint effort with Toyota, marks the team’s return to endurance racing after a long hiatus. The MCL‑HY features a 4.0‑litre twin‑turbo V8, a lightweight carbon‑fiber monocoque, and a sophisticated hybrid power‑train designed to meet the latest LMDh regulations. Norris, who has expressed enthusiasm for endurance racing in the past, said the car’s balance and braking feel were “impressive” and that he was looking forward to the challenge of a 24‑hour race.
While the test was largely a technical exercise, it signals McLaren’s intent to compete at the highest level of sports‑car racing. The team will use the data collected to fine‑tune aerodynamics, cooling, and energy recovery systems before the first official race. Fans can expect the MCL‑HY to be a formidable contender at Le Mans, where McLaren will field a driver line‑up that includes Norris, former F1 teammate Daniel Ricciardo, and endurance specialist Kevin Magnussen.
For India, the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be broadcast live on FanCode from 3:00 PM IST, with commentary in Hindi and English. Fans can also follow live updates on the official McLaren F1 and WEC social media channels. The test’s outcome will be closely watched by Indian motorsport enthusiasts eager to see how McLaren’s new hypercar stacks up against the likes of Porsche, Toyota, and Audi.
Source: Autosport
