Garage 59 replaces United as McLaren's WEC partner in 2026

United Autosports will hand over the keys of the McLaren LMGT3 program to Garage 59 in 2026, concluding a successful partnership that included the brand's first WEC victory in September. The change allows United to concentrate all its resources on the ambitious McLaren Racing Hypercar program, which debuts in 2027.

The decision is purely strategic. United Autosports, co-owned by Richard Dean and Zak Brown (CEO of McLaren Racing), will prioritize the development of the LMDh prototype co-developed with Dallara Automobili. Testing of the prototype will begin in the second quarter of 2025.

Photo By Carlos Castillo

"It's a real honour to be competing in the WEC, so it's not a decision we've taken lightly. But when you get the opportunity to compete in Hypercar and form a team with McLaren Racing with the goal of competing for the overall championship win, including Le Mans, that's something we've worked for, fought for, and dreamed of for years," explained Richard Dean.

United Focuses on Hypercar Program

United Autosports leaves behind a solid legacy in the WEC that extends beyond its partnership with McLaren. Over six seasons in the series, it amassed 42 races, 20 podiums, 10 wins, 13 pole positions, and two LMP2 class victories at the Le Mans 24 Hours. Its 2019/20 LMP2 title with Filipe Albuquerque and Phil Hanson, racing with an ORECA-Gibson, marked its greatest individual achievement.

When LMP2 was removed from the WEC before 2024, United transitioned to LMGT3 by partnering with McLaren. During this two-season collaboration, the McLaren GT3 EVO achieved multiple pole positions and, in September, its first WEC class victory at the Circuit of the Americas.

United will maintain activity in other competitions during 2026: the Asian Le Mans Series 2025/26, European Le Mans Series, the Le Mans 24 Hours in LMP2, and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, subject to entry confirmation. In 2027, United will return to the WEC racing the McLaren LMDh in the Hypercar category under the McLaren United AS banner.

Photo By Carlos Castillo

Garage 59 Returns with Proven Experience

The team taking over the LMGT3 responsibilities brings impeccable McLaren credentials. Its titles include the 2016 Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup with Rob Bell, the 2022 GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup Pro Am, the 2023 Bronze Cup, and the 2024 British GT Silver Am title.

Garage 59, co-owned by Andrew Kirkaldy, Alexander West, and former BTCC driver Chris Goodwin, took its name from the #59 McLaren F1 GTR that won Le Mans in 1995. Ironically, it was among the original candidates to represent McLaren in the 2024 WEC, before United secured the contract.

The organization competed with Aston Martin between 2019-2022, returning to McLaren in the GT World Challenge Europe from 2023. It now expands operations by relocating from Brackley to new facilities in Northampton to accommodate parallel campaigns in the WEC and Europe.

Two McLaren Divisions, Two WEC Programs

The change reflects the clear separation between McLaren Racing and McLaren Automotive. The Hypercar program belongs to McLaren Racing, while LMGT3 remains under McLaren Automotive, which was acquired by CYVN Holdings from the Abu Dhabi government in April.

"Motorsport is intrinsic to the DNA of McLaren Automotive, and we look forward to continuing our strong progress and winning performance with our new partners in 2026," stated Nick Collins, CEO of McLaren Automotive.

"We are proud to partner with McLaren on the world stage. Competing in the WEC with two McLaren GT3 EVOs is not just a progression, it's a statement of intent," responded Andrew Kirkaldy, Sporting Director of Garage 59.

Photo By Carlos Castillo

The McLaren program in the WEC experienced historic moments during 2024, including two complete front row lockouts at Le Mans and multiple podiums that demonstrated the competitiveness of the GT3 EVO in the new LMGT3 category.

United Autosports will aim to close its LMGT3 cycle with a second victory at the final round of 2025, scheduled for November 8th in Bahrain, before taking a sabbatical year from the WEC to prepare for its return with the McLaren LMDh Hypercar in 2027.

The continuity of the Garage 59 LMGT3 program beyond 2027 will depend on the availability of slots on the WEC grid, which is currently oversubscribed. In case of entry limitations, the McLaren Racing Hypercar program would take priority over the McLaren Automotive LMGT3 program.