15 April 2026 17:00 (UTC)
“Sessions like this, even if they aren't for testing our own upgrades, provide learning opportunities”
The McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team returned to the Nürburgring for the first time since 2020 for a two-day Pirelli Tyre Test, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri behind the wheel of the MCL40.
Driving our 2026 Formula 1 car in a specification that has already been raced this season, Lando and Oscar were testing potential future tyre compounds for Pirelli. The run plan was set by Pirelli and included a selection of their compounds.
On Tuesday, Oscar drove the MCL40, completing 66 laps (336km), with a fastest lap time of 1:35.096s. The Australian experienced a technical issue in the afternoon, which reduced the number of laps he was able to complete, although the team were able to rectify the problem, allowing him to return to the track later in the day. Lando then got behind the wheel on Wednesday, running 108 laps (550km), with his fastest lap being 1:33.640s.
Pirelli carry out up to 40 days’ worth of official Tyre Tests every year. Every team on the grid is offered the chance to take part, and all of the data gathered is shared across the 11 teams. This collaboration provides Pirelli with direct feedback from drivers that informs its tyre development.
The two days of running at the Nürburgring replaced a previously scheduled test in Saudi Arabia, which was rescheduled following the announcement that the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix would no longer take place in April. We shared the track with Mercedes across the two days, who had also been slated to run in Saudi Arabia.
McLaren returned to the iconic Nürburgring after six years. Historically, the team has five wins at the Nürburgring, the most recent was delivered by Lewis Hamilton in 2011.
"This test was a very productive two days for us. The aim was to help Pirelli with their tyre development for the future, and we provided as much detailed feedback as we could. It’s been a while since we’ve driven here at the Nürburgring, so it’s great to get back out on track. I've driven here in pretty much every category, so it’s cool to be able to drive it in this era of Formula 1 cars.
“After lacking some track time at the start of the season, it was good to get back behind the wheel again. Sessions like this, even if they aren't for testing our own upgrades, provide learning opportunities which are useful as we look to push forward this season. Time to regroup at home now and get ready for Miami.”
“It was good to get back in the car during this break, with the focus on helping Pirelli gather information on these tyres. Overall, it was a useful day. We can’t make any changes in these tests, but it’s always good to get the opportunity to make sure all systems work and to get a better understanding of the car, especially with the new regulations.
“We obviously don’t race here, but it’s still nice to experience such a unique circuit again. The Nürburgring is an old-school track with the kerbs and run-offs, which makes it more rewarding when you get things right. We’ll spend a bit of time back in Woking now as we prepare to go racing again in Miami.”
