McLaren WEC Hypercar begins testing

McLaren Racing has reached a major milestone in the build-up to its FIA WEC Hypercar debut in 2027 this week, with its MCL-HY hitting the track for the first time.

The car, which was fully revealed yesterday with updated aero and in a handsome testing livery, completed a successful rollout Monday and Tuesday at the Autodromo Riccardo Paletti in Varano de’ Melegari, Italy. Day one ran entirely to plan, while the second day saw rain intervene and delay track action, though the team was able to continue running laps at full power once the weather cleared.

The program’s first factory driver, Mikkel Jensen, was the first driver to take the wheel.

“It really is an honor to be the first person ever to drive the MCL-HY,” said the Dane, a former member of Peugeot's Hypercar team. “When I made the choice to sit this season out of WEC, and join McLaren Racing at the very beginning of its return to the top level of sports car racing, it was so that I could be part of moments like this.

“Then to have a very successful two days of running means I’m leaving Italy very happy with my choices. Huge credit to the team for hitting the milestone – after this rollout, I am even more sure that this is going to be an incredible program to be part of.”

In addition to Jensen, Gregoire Saucy from the McLaren Driver Development Program also turned laps.

“When I joined the McLaren Driver Development Program, I dreamed that it would lead to driving the McLaren Hypercar. So, to be asked to support the test program is an opportunity that I feel very fortunate to have,” the Swiss said.

On hand for the milestone test were key staff from McLaren Racing, plus service provider United Autosports, including James Barclay, the program lead, United team co-owner Richard Dean, and team manager Max Gregory.

“Over 12 months ago, we set an ambitious target to out our WEC Hypercar on May 4, 2026,” Barclay said. “To stand trackside on that exact day and watch the MCL-HY leave the garage was a proud moment for everyone involved in the team and our supply chain. The level of organization, determination, collaboration and effort required to achieve this cannot be overstated.

“Our newly formed team not only arrived on schedule, but exceptionally well prepared, with a car ready to execute its program. While its early in our journey, with lots to still do and to the level we want, achieving this milestone means we have started to create a very solid foundation on which we can build our momentum for the 2026 test plan we have in place. Well done team.”

McLaren is set to join Ford as a new LMDh manufacturer on the Hypercar grid next season with its 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6-powered racer. The marque has also expressed interest in joining IMSA GTP in the future, though it has not yet confirmed an entry date or selected a service provider.