The McLaren WEC Hypercar programme has officially been confirmed for return with plans to enter the FIA World Endurance Championship starting 2027.
This marks a significant milestone for the iconic British manufacturer which has been absent from the pinnacle of endurance sports car racing since 1998.
The McLaren WEC Hypercar programme was confirmed on April 10, 2025 through a brief yet impactful video shared on McLaren’s social media platforms, showcasing the silhouette of its future Hypercar contender alongside a statement referencing its legendary 1995 Le Mans victory.
The decision to join the Hypercar category aligns with the brand’s storied legacy in motorsport dubbed the triple crown glory. The automaker achieved historic success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995 with its F1 GTR securing four of the top five positions in the overall classification.
This triumph remains one of McLaren’s most celebrated achievements and its return to endurance racing is seen as a bold move to reclaim its place among the elite manufacturers in global motorsport.
Up until 1998, it continued to be a fixture on the Le Mans grid, placing fourth in 1996 and then second and fourth in 1997 and 1998 respectively with the long-tail version of the car.
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown expressed enthusiasm about the program, stating succinctly, “We’re back.”
Brown highlighted that several factors influenced the timing of this decision including McLaren’s strong performance across its Formula 1, IndyCar, and Formula E campaigns, as well as its growing success in the FIA WEC’s LMGT3 division.
The LMGT3 program, launched in partnership with United Autosports in 2024, has already delivered impressive results including multiple top-four finishes and a breakthrough podium at the 2025 season opener in Qatar.
The Hypercar initiative is expected to leverage McLaren’s expertise in cutting-edge automotive technology and racing strategy.
While specific details about the McLaren WEC Hypercar programme remain under wraps industry speculation suggests the outfit will adopt the LMDh platform for its Hypercar entry.
This platform allows manufacturers to utilize standardized hybrid systems and collaborate with chassis suppliers like Dallara which is rumored to be involved in McLaren’s project.
Additionally, United Autosports—co-founded by Zak Brown—is anticipated to oversee the two-car factory effort.
The convergence of technical regulations between FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship has been instrumental in attracting manufacturers like McLaren to the Hypercar class.
These unified rules simplify participation across both series and boost competition by enabling diverse entries from brands such as Ferrari, Toyota, Porsche, Peugeot, and Cadillac.
McLaren joins Hyundai’s luxury brand Genesis and Ford as recent additions to this burgeoning category.
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Brown emphasized that endurance racing is entering an exciting era characterized by increased manufacturer involvement and heightened competition. He praised the current regulatory framework for fostering innovation while maintaining accessibility for new entrants.
“With the rules that the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, the World Endurance Championship, and IMSA have come up with, everyone has voted with their cars,” Brown noted. “This is a very exciting time in endurance racing.”
McLaren’s commitment to the Hypercar program represents a strategic expansion of its motorsport portfolio.
Beyond Formula 1 and IndyCar, where it has established itself as a formidable competitor, McLaren aims to solidify its presence in endurance racing—a discipline renowned for testing both engineering prowess and team resilience over grueling multi-hour events.
The announcement also underscores McLaren’s ambition to integrate advanced technologies into its racing operations. The Hypercar category demands innovative solutions to balance performance with sustainability through hybrid powertrains and aerodynamic efficiency.
As a leader in automotive engineering, McLaren is well-positioned to meet these challenges while delivering competitive results on track.
Fans and industry observers alike are eagerly anticipating further updates on the new McLaren Hypercar programme. The team is expected to reveal more details about its technical approach and driver lineup on June 13, the day before the start of the 93rd edition of Le Mans 24 Hours.
