29 July 2026 18:00 (UTC)
"It’s been a productive test for us, and it was good to be back in Portimão"
Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Leonardo Fornaroli shared driving duties at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve with the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) team.
For the first time this season, McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team Drivers Lando and Oscar joined Reserve Driver Leo in our 2023 challenger. The test followed Lando’s victory in Hungary, his first as reigning Champion.
Portimão once played host to Lando’s first-ever drive in an F1 car back in 2017, behind the wheel of the MP4/26. Today, Lando drove 49 laps (225 km), while Oscar and Leo drove their first ever miles at this circuit, with Oscar completing 55 laps (256 km) on the first day, and Leo 47 laps (217 km) in both afternoon sessions.
Portimão offers a unique testing environment for any driver, with its mix of high-speed corners and tricky low speed chicanes. Despite the hot July weather typical to the Algarve, the wind picked up in the afternoon. At a track known for its sensitivity to the wind, drivers were faced with the additional challenge of unpredictable conditions, particularly for Leo who drove in both afternoon sessions.
The Italian driver travelled straight from Budapest, where he had taken part in his second official F1 session, driving the MCL40 in Free Practice 1. Returning to the MCL60 for the fifth time this year, Leo worked with the team on building on his progress, as part of his ongoing training in the McLaren Driver Development Programme. This test provided Leo the opportunity to observe both F1 drivers, gaining first-hand insight into not only their driving, but also in how they provide feedback to the team, as well as giving Lando and Oscar the opportunity to familiarise themselves with a circuit Formula 1 will return to next year.
This test rounds off a busy first half of the season, during which the MCL60 has run at five different circuits in 2026. The TPC team executed successful tests in Barcelona, Silverstone, Austin, Monza and Portimão, with the programme due to continue in the coming months. The team now signs off for summer shutdown, returning in two weeks for the Dutch Grand Prix.
"It’s been a productive test for us, and it was good to be back in Portimão. This was where I drove an F1 car for the very first time, so it’s a special track for me. It’s also one that’s enjoyable to drive, with some fun, challenging corners.
"We were able to complete everything we wanted and add some valuable mileage. It’s a good way to sign off for the summer break. I’m looking forward to spending some time with family and friends, recharging and come back strong in Zandvoort."
"This was my first time driving the F1 circuit in Portimão. The changing conditions made it an interesting place to drive, and the elevation changes made it really fun. We got through the entire programme we set out to do, and the team are happy.
"It’s a good point to pause for the summer shutdown. It’s been a pretty intense season for us, so it will be nice for everyone to switch off before we get back to it."
"I’ve really enjoyed being part of this event in Portimão. This was my first time driving around this circuit, and every opportunity to drive the MCL60 at a TPC test is important for my development. It was great working alongside Lando and Oscar. Watching how they approach different conditions and listening to their feedback are valuable learning experiences for me.
"We completed a lot of running across both days. The wind made it slightly trickier, so there was a lot to learn. I want to thank the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and everyone in the McLaren Driver Development Programme for their continued support and for the opportunities of development that they offer me. I can feel my improvement with every lap, and I look forward to continue building from here."
