P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren will join the WEC’s burgeoning Hypercar class in 2027.
McLaren has revealed details about its Hypercar program for the upcoming FIA World Endurance Championship, confirming a partnership with United Autosports. This project marks McLaren’s return to the top tier of sportscar racing after 30 years, with the team planning to debut in the 2027 WEC season. United Autosports, led by McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, currently runs McLaren 720S GT3 Evo cars in the WEC’s LMGT3 class, and will now expand into the Hypercar category as the McLaren Endurance Team. The team principal will be James Barclay, an experienced leader from Formula E and endurance racing, who will oversee the development of McLaren’s LMDh prototype based on a Dallara LMP2 chassis and powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine. The car is expected to begin testing in late 2026 before entering competition in 2027, as part of McLaren Racing’s return to the FIA WEC. The announcement coincided with McLaren’s celebration of the 30th anniversary of its victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours race with the legendary F1 GTR.
