McLaren carried out a Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) session at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimao on July 30, 2026, ahead of the summer break. The team ran their 2023 MCL60 car with drivers Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and reserve driver Leonardo Fornaroli taking part in the test.
During the session, Norris completed 49 laps, Piastri 55 laps, and Fornaroli 47 laps. The test provided an opportunity for Piastri to experience the Portimao circuit for the first time, where he noted the challenging elevation changes. For Norris, it marked a return to the track where he had his first Formula 1® test back in 2017. Fornaroli, a member of McLaren’s Driver Development Programme, joined the test immediately after participating in the first practice session in Hungary, gaining valuable insight into the driving and feedback styles of the two main drivers.
The Portimao circuit is set to return to the Formula 1® calendar in 2027 and 2028, making this test a useful preparation for McLaren’s drivers. The team will now pause their activities for the summer break, with the championship scheduled to resume at the Dutch Grand Prix from August 21 to 23, 2026.
Alongside McLaren, other teams such as Aston Martin, Alpine, and Audi conducted testing activities during the same week at the Hungarian Grand Prix venue. McLaren’s session focused specifically on familiarising their drivers with the Portimao track and completing mileage in a previous-generation car rather than on competitive performance.
Leonardo Fornaroli’s participation in the test offered him a closer look at the main drivers’ approach to driving and car feedback, an important step in his development within the McLaren programme. Meanwhile, Norris and Piastri benefited from valuable track time on a circuit that will feature again in the near future, helping them prepare for upcoming seasons.
This Testing of Previous Cars session is part of McLaren’s broader approach to driver development and preparation, allowing the team to gather data and provide their drivers with experience outside of race weekends. Following the summer break, McLaren will return to competition at Zandvoort, with the Dutch Grand Prix marking the next race on the calendar.
