McLaren Seizes Strategic Edge with Early Portimao F1 Test Amid 2026 Calendar Uncertainty
McLaren has taken a decisive step ahead of its Formula 1 rivals by conducting a crucial Testing of Previous Car (TPC) session at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimao.
Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and reserve driver Leonardo Fornaroli completed a combined 151 laps on McLaren’s MCL60 this Wednesday, marking the team’s first laps at the Portuguese track since 2021. This proactive move aligns with speculation that Portimao could host the 2026 F1 season finale, a slot potentially vacated due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The 2026 calendar faces significant disruption following the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian and Bahrain Grands Prix earlier this year amid worsening regional conflicts. Although the Bahrain GP was reinstated with a replacement venue at the Sepang International Circuit, the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races remain under threat of removal. With the traditional season-ending Abu Dhabi slot uncertain, Portimao has emerged as a frontrunner to fill this void-a development McLaren has capitalised on by securing vital track experience well in advance.
“This has been a productive test for us, and it was good to be back in Portimao,” said Lando Norris, reflecting on the session. “It’s 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.” Norris’s familiarity with Portimao and the extensive running completed provide McLaren with a strategic advantage in car setup and race preparation should the Portuguese GP materialise as the finale.
For Oscar Piastri, the test offered a fresh challenge and vital seat time on a circuit he had not previously encountered in an F1 car. “This was my first time driving the F1 circuit in Portimao,” the Australian driver said. “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.” Piastri’s progress on an undulating and technically demanding track could prove crucial in his ongoing development and McLaren’s campaign.
The looming uncertainty over the remainder of the Middle Eastern races has left Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali setting a September deadline to finalise the 2026 calendar. Italy’s Imola has also been mentioned as a contender to replace Abu Dhabi for the season finale. McLaren’s early engagement with Portimao, however, may give the Woking-based team a competitive upper hand in adapting to the circuit’s nuances before rivals can respond.
Formula 1 will resume after the summer break with the Dutch GP at Zandvoort in late August, while the fate of the final rounds for 2026 continues to hang in the balance. McLaren’s proactive test at Portimao signals its intent to be fully prepared, positioning itself to exploit any calendar shifts with confidence and precision.