McLaren is making a comeback to Le Mans in 2027 with the aim of competing for the overall victory.

      McLaren

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      McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown made a strong statement when he revealed the brand's return to endurance racing on Thursday morning: “We’re back.” When McLaren enters the WEC Hypercar class in 2027, it will mark over 30 years since their last victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the iconic F1 GTR in 1995. This time, they aren't just aiming for a class win at Le Mans; they will also be striving for the overall victory in the Hypercar class and once again pursuing the Triple Crown.

      “1995. Legendary Le Mans victory. Triple Crown glory. Ready to make our mark on the world endurance stage once again. Hypercar. 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship,” the announcement stated.

      The concept of an automotive triple crown varies in interpretation. Generally, it requires a driver or manufacturer to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Indy 500, and the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix, but not necessarily in the same year. McLaren secured the triple crown by winning the Indy 500 in 1972, the Monaco Grand Prix in 1984, and Le Mans in 1995. However, another interpretation replaces the Monaco Grand Prix with the F1 Championship, which McLaren has also achieved. In fact, McLaren has a strong chance of claiming either version again in 2025.

      In recent years, McLaren customer cars have participated in the WEC, including the latest 2024 McLaren 720S LMGT3 Evo. However, that car competed in the LMGT3 class, which does not contend for overall victory. In 2027, McLaren will enter the Hypercar class, which competes for the top prize with purpose-built hybrid prototype racecars. Unlike LMGT3 cars, WEC Hypercars do not need to be based on existing road cars, so this will be an entirely new racer.

      McLaren won’t construct the chassis or supply the hybrid system. According to WEC regulations, teams in the Hypercar class must source their chassis from one of four approved manufacturers: Dallara, Multimatic, Ligier, and Oreca. While there has been no official announcement regarding which chassis supplier McLaren will choose, Motorsport reports that it will be Dallara. BMW M and Cadillac also utilize Dallara. Meanwhile, the battery and hybrid system must be developed by Williams Advanced Engineering, the technological division of Williams F1 Racing.

      The engine will be developed by McLaren, but details have not been disclosed. It may use a variation of the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 from the new McLaren W1, as this model is the brand’s most technologically advanced and is already integrated with a hybrid system, showcasing considerable technical expertise. Alternatively, it could utilize a version of the Artura’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6.

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