McLaren Wraps Up Key Portimao Test Amid 2026 Calendar Uncertainty

Lando Norris and the McLaren team have been busy at the Portimao circuit, gathering 'valuable mileage' during a Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) session. This comes as the Portuguese track is being eyed as a possible finale for the 2026 F1 calendar, amid ongoing conflicts that have put the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix in jeopardy.

With April's Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races already cancelled, the Middle Eastern conflicts have cast a shadow over the season's end. Bahrain had hoped to reschedule for October, but tensions redirected the race to Malaysia's Sepang circuit instead, maintaining the season's length at 23 races. However, the fate of the final two races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi remains uncertain.

Enter Portimao, a circuit that seems to have appeared at just the right moment. McLaren, having planned their TPC outing well in advance, took full advantage of the opportunity. Norris, along with teammates Oscar Piastri and reserve driver Leonardo Fornaroli, collectively completed 151 laps in the MCL60.

Reflecting on the test, Norris, who first experienced an F1 car at Portimao in 2017, remarked on the track's special place in his career. "It’s been a productive test for us, and it was good to be back in Portimao," he said. "It’s a fun, challenging track, and we completed everything we wanted."

For Piastri, it was his first time at the Algarve circuit, and he found the varying conditions and elevation changes both interesting and enjoyable. "We got through the entire programme we set out to do, and the team are happy," Piastri noted.

While McLaren’s test marks the end of their busy first half of the season, Portimao's potential role in the F1 calendar grows. Despite Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali's assurance that the 2026 schedule remains unchanged, the uncertainty requires a backup plan. Portimao has been confirmed for the 2027 and 2028 seasons, and it might step in sooner if necessary.

Domenicali has set a September deadline to decide on Qatar and Abu Dhabi’s fate. "By the middle of September, we must make a decision," he stated, acknowledging the challenges of planning in uncertain times.

Portimao isn’t the only circuit in contention; Imola is also being considered to host the season finale if needed. Domenicali emphasized that any decision would be made with careful consideration of the global situation.

As the paddock takes a summer break, all eyes will be on the situation in the Middle East and the decisions that will shape the final stretches of the 2026 F1 season.