McLaren returns to WEC with 2027 Hypercar program

McLaren Racing announced James Barclay as director of McLaren United AS, their new division that will compete in the Hypercar category of the World Endurance Championship starting in 2027. Barclay will leave Jaguar Formula E in September to lead the project that marks McLaren's return to top-tier endurance racing.

United Autosports will handle full operations

The British team will manage both LMDh prototypes under the McLaren United AS name. Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing and co-founder of United, confirmed the partnership after evaluating other candidate teams.

The agreement represents United's graduation from LMP2 to the premier WEC category. The team won Le Mans and Daytona 24 Hours in LMP2 over the last 12 months, in addition to operating two McLaren 720S GT3 Evo in LMGT3 since 2024.

Richard Dean revealed that United has been preparing infrastructure for years for this leap. "We built a 62,000-square-foot facility in 2019 and recruited Jakob Andreasen from Toyota as technical director in 2022," Dean explained.

Dallara to manufacture chassis with twin-turbo V6

McLaren selected the Italian constructor to develop the LMDh, leveraging their existing relationship in IndyCar with Arrow McLaren. Brown explained that the choice of the twin-turbo V6 follows performance rather than commercial criteria.

An undisclosed partner will develop the internal combustion engine for the hybrid system. Initial testing begins late in the first quarter of 2026, followed by an intensive development program.

Barclay brings world championship experience

The British executive created the Jaguar Formula E program from scratch in 2016 and led the team to the brand's first world championship since 1991. His management includes multiple victories in the electric category.

The passion and commitment to success that McLaren Racing embodies is something I've always admired

First presentation this Saturday at Le Mans

McLaren will showcase a scale model of the 2027 prototype on Saturday, June 14 at 10:00 CEST in the Manufacturers' Village during the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Brown will attend the presentation.

The announcement coincides with the 30th anniversary of McLaren's victory at Le Mans 1995, when JJ Lehto, Yannick Dalmas and Masanori Sekiya won with the F1 GTR.

Expansion into the IMSA SportsCar Championship remains under evaluation. "We're interested in IMSA, but step by step," Brown commented.