Jensen first driver named for McLaren Hypercar program

The first driver in McLaren's FIA WEC Hypercar driver stable has been named, with news today that Danish racer Mikkel Jensen has joined the Woking-based brand for its debut in the championship's top category in 2027 with factory team McLaren United AS.

Jensen began his professional racing career in 2017 and quickly made his mark in GT racing before moving into prototypes, where he claimed championship titles in both the European Le Mans Series and IMSA SportsCar Championship.

That form led to his selection by Peugeot for its return to Le Mans with the 9X8, with Jensen going on to score multiple podium finishes in recent seasons before departing the brand's factory stable at the end of 2025. 

He has been snapped up by McLaren for its attempt to win its first WEC Hypercar title and the Le Mans 24 Hours overall for a second time. Throughout 2026, McLaren and United Autosports will be focused on developing the team's Dallara-based LMDh prototype, with Jensen playing a key role in that process.

The 30-year-old is already racing for United Autosports in the Asian Le Mans Series over the winter and is due to take part in Daytona’s ‘ROAR Before The 24’ test later this week ahead of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season-opener.

“I’m extremely proud to be joining the world championship-winning McLaren family and excited to be a part of its Hypercar project from the early stages," Jensen said.

"Stepping onto the boulevard at the McLaren Technology Center gives me goosebumps – it not only brings to life how much history McLaren has in Formula 1, but the 1995 Le Mans-winning F1 GTR reminds me that we have an incredible endurance story to continue.”

McLaren’s move into the premier category of the World Endurance Championship in 2027 forms a key part of its ambition to win the ‘Triple Crown’ of Le Mans, the Indy 500 and Monaco Grand Prix in a single year. McLaren remains the only manufacturer to have won all three and is aiming to repeat that achievement.

James Barclay, McLaren Endurance Racing’s team principal, adds that Jensen’s signing represents a significant milestone for the program: "He has already proven himself as one of the most competitive and well-rounded sportscar racing drivers in the world and will bring with him a wealth of experience from the Hypercar category.

“We will enter the World Endurance Championship and Le Mans in what will arguably be the most competitive season of all time. We are delighted to have a driver of Mikkel’s calibre, experience and future potential. Like us, he is a true racer and is therefore a great fit with our philosophy on people and culture, which has been integral to McLaren Racing’s world championship-winning success in Formula 1.

"Our World Endurance Championship team is coming together nicely and Mikkel is a fantastic addition.”