McLaren confirms WEC Hypercar program

With a short video clip on social media, McLaren has revealed that it will be joining the FIA World Endurance Championship's Hypercar ranks in 2027.

After years of evaluation and speculation, the brand has finally green-lit a prototype effort, which like Ford's, is centered around a presence in the WEC, at least initially. The video posted features a silhouetted LMDh-style prototype and no additional details, ahead of the program’s expected full launch at the Le Mans 24 Hours in June.

RACER reported last November that approval in principle for a program was given, effectively firing the starting gun for the development of a fully funded factory LMDh effort, believed to be with Dallara as a chassis partner.

“I’m excited that McLaren Racing will return to one of the world’s most challenging global racing series, the FIA WEC,” CEO Zak Brown said. “Le Mans 1995 is where we secured a legendary win at the first attempt, and I can’t wait for the team to make history once again.

“We’re up for it. We’re back. And now, with this news, we’re going to try and win all three big (Triple Crown) races in the same year!”

The Woking-based brand will be present at Le Mans this year with a pair of LMGT3 entries fielded by Brown’s private team United Autosports, which he co-owns with Richard Dean.

“It’s fair to say that LMGT3 was us dipping our toe back in the water -- it’s a fantastic class but it would certainly be nice to see a couple of other McLarens also at the top of a different leaderboard,” Brown said at the WEC opener in Qatar back in February. “I always get excited in June. Le Mans is a must-attend. It’s a bummer it conflicts with the Montreal Grand Prix this year but I can tell you I’ll be in France, not Canada."