McLaren returns to WEC with LMDh prototype to compete in Hypercar from 2027

McLaren has officially confirmed its return to elite endurance motorsport. The British brand will compete in the Hypercar category of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) starting in 2027, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of its overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995.

For this ambitious project, McLaren has established a strategic alliance with United Autosports, a team with extensive endurance racing experience. This structure, co-owned by Richard Dean and Zak Brown (CEO of McLaren Racing), already manages the brand's presence in the WEC's LMGT3 division since 2024.

United Autosports boasts an impressive record including two victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (2020 and 2024), a WEC championship (2020), a European Le Mans Series title (2020), and various triumphs such as the 24 Hours of Daytona, plus multiple successes in LMP3.

An LMDh prototype with Dallara technology and biturbo V6 engine

According to project information, McLaren has chosen the LMDh platform for its future Hypercar. This choice involves using standardized components such as the transmission, battery, and electronic systems.

Italian manufacturer Dallara will provide the chassis, the same supplier that currently provides bases for Cadillac and BMW prototypes. The power unit will be a biturbo V6.

According to industry sources, development is progressing as planned. The prototype could begin testing in early 2026, giving McLaren nearly a full year to optimize the vehicle before its official debut.

We're back

McLaren's integration in 2027 will strengthen a grid that currently includes eight manufacturers: Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Peugeot, Porsche and Toyota. Before McLaren's arrival, the addition of Genesis (Hyundai's premium division) is expected in 2026 and Ford in 2027.

While the announcement confirms McLaren's participation in WEC, full program details will be revealed on June 13, on the eve of the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Possible expansion to IMSA and compatibility with other programs

Although the statement mentions WEC exclusively, there's a possibility McLaren could expand its program to the IMSA championship in the United States. By using an LMDh, the brand could compete in both series if it secures the necessary financial backing. McLaren already maintains a presence in North American motorsport through its IndyCar program.

The Hypercar category venture won't affect McLaren's other racing activities. Regarding Formula E, while there are discussions about potential collaborations with the Hyundai Group and uncertainty about Neom sponsorship, the program could continue as it operates with a significantly smaller budget than required for Hypercar.

McLaren's intermittent history in endurance racing

McLaren's relationship with endurance racing has been sporadic but significant. In the 1960s, the brand dominated the Can-Am Championship with five consecutive titles between 1967 and 1971 using models like the M6A, M8B and M8F.

The most notable moment came in 1995 when the McLaren F1 GTR won the 24 Hours of Le Mans on its absolute debut with the Kokusai Kaihatsu Racing team. In that edition, marked by persistent rain conditions, the BMW V12-powered McLaren F1 GTRs took 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 13th positions.

McLaren continued competing with evolutions of the F1 GTR until 1998, including the 1997 "Longtail" version, but investment from manufacturers like Porsche and Mercedes in GT1-specific vehicles reduced its competitiveness.

In later decades, McLaren developed vehicles for GT3 and GT4 categories, such as the MP4-12C GT3, 650S GT3 and 720S GT3, though primarily for private teams.

After nearly 30 years away from the World Endurance Championship, McLaren returned to WEC in 2024 as a homologated manufacturer in the LMGT3 class, which replaced GTE-Am. This participation represented its first official program approved by the ACO and FIA since Le Mans 1995.