Lando Norris to celebrate Formula 1 title with McLaren showcasing heritage at Goodwood

McLaren announced on Thursday that Norris will drive the MCL60 up the famous Goodwood hillclimb on 11 July during the 2026 edition of the event, which runs from 9-12 July. The appearance will allow fans to celebrate Britain's latest Formula 1 world champion, the 11th British driver to claim the title.

The MCL60 was raced during the 2023 Formula 1 season and forms part of McLaren's 60th anniversary celebrations. Reserve driver Leonardo Fornaroli will drive the car throughout the weekend when Norris is not behind the wheel.

McLaren's presence at Goodwood will also focus heavily on its Formula 1 heritage, with the team bringing the 1993 MP4/8, the MP4/8B test car and the championship-winning M23.

The MP4/8, which carried Ayrton Senna to victory in the 1993 Australian Grand Prix, will be driven by Fornaroli, Senna's nephew Bruno Senna and Rob Garofall during the festival.

The MP4/8B will make its first public appearance since 1993. The car was developed to test a Chrysler-Lamborghini V12 engine as a possible option for the 1994 season and was driven by both Senna and Mika Hakkinen during testing at Estoril.

McLaren said the Festival of Speed will mark the first time the MP4/8B has been seen in public since September 1993.

The team will also mark the 50th anniversary of James Hunt's 1976 Formula 1 world championship by running the M23 chassis that carried the Briton to the title. The car will be displayed and driven throughout the four day event.

McLaren Racing chief marketing officer Lou McEwen said the festival provides an opportunity to celebrate both the team's history and recent achievements.

"Goodwood Festival of Speed offers motorsport fans the opportunity to get up close to incredible cars and on-track action, and we're excited to be part of it again. It's a fantastic opportunity to showcase our rich heritage by bringing some of Formula 1's most iconic cars as well as celebrating current achievements," McEwen said.

McEwen highlighted the significance of the M23, MP4/8 and MP4/8B, describing the latter's return as "a real treat for all motorsport fans".

McLaren will also use the event to celebrate its championship-winning 2025 campaign, when Norris secured the Drivers' Championship as the team completed a title double.

"Goodwood Festival of Speed is always one of the highlights of the year for us. We look forward to seeing our papaya family on the ground," McEwen added.