McLaren confirm Le Mans return with WEC hypercar entry in 2027

Formula 1 powerhouse McLaren will make a long-awaited return to top-tier endurance racing, confirming plans to join the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2027.

The move marks a historic comeback to the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans, which the team famously won on debut in 1995.

The announcement was made on Thursday, with McLaren declaring their intent to enter the WEC’s hypercar category.

“1995. Legendary Le Mans victory. Triple Crown glory. Ready to make our mark on the world endurance stage once again,” read the team’s statement.

The entry remains subject to approval by the WEC Selection Committee.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown spoke enthusiastically about the decision.

“We’re back to the World Endurance Championship and competing for the 24 Hours of Le Mans overall win,” he said.

“In 2027, we will be entering the Hypercar class — we’re very excited.

“Now, with this exciting news, we’re going to try and win all three of these big races in the same year.”

That ambition refers to McLaren’s unique place in history as the only team to win motorsport’s Triple Crown: the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500, and Le Mans.

Brown’s vision is now to achieve the rare feat of winning all three in the same calendar year.

McLaren join a rapidly growing hypercar grid that already features several of their F1 rivals, including Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Alpine, as well as major manufacturers like Toyota, Peugeot, BMW, and Porsche.

General Motors’ Cadillac brand — set to enter F1 in 2026 — also competes in the WEC.

While details such as the driver lineup, team personnel, and car model are yet to be revealed, McLaren already have ties to the WEC through the Brown-owned United Autosports outfit, which campaigns McLaren 720S LMGT3 EVOs in the series.

The move follows McLaren’s resurgence at the front of the Formula 1 grid.

The reigning Constructors’ Championship winners are leading the 2025 F1 standings after three rounds, with Lando Norris the narrow favourite for the Drivers’ Championship at $1.83.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen sits close behind at $3.75 with top online bookmakers.

Sports news