McLaren is set to make a triumphant return to the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours in 2027 with a new hypercar programme, aiming to compete against rivals Ferrari and Aston Martin in a bid to secure its first outright victory in the event since 1995. The Formula 1 team confirmed their much-anticipated return with a teaser video on Instagram, teasing a hypercar outline and tagging Le Mans organisers and the FIA World Endurance Championship with the message “see you on track in 2027.”
In an official statement, McLaren Racing expressed their excitement for the upcoming challenge, stating their readiness to make their mark on the world endurance stage once again with a hypercar entry in the 2027 World Endurance Championship. It is reported that McLaren Racing, distinct from the Automotive division which recently merged with Forseven, will participate in the hypercar class under the cost-controlled LMDh rules. These rules mandate the use of a customer chassis and a spec hybrid system, with teams providing their own combustion engine. The V6 twin-turbo engine found in the Artura models is a likely choice, with a total output capped at 670bhp.
McLaren achieved a remarkable victory in the 1995 Le Mans 24 Hours with a GT1 class McLaren F1 GTR, marking their debut at the event. The iconic win, in challenging weather conditions, saw McLaren F1 GTRs dominate the top positions. While the initial victory was technically a customer entry, McLaren went on to develop race versions of the McLaren F1 for customer teams until 1998. In recent years, McLaren Racing has expanded its motorsport presence beyond F1, fielding teams in IndyCar, Formula E, and Extreme E.
Joining the ranks of manufacturers competing in the WEC’s hypercar division, McLaren will be the 11th marque to enter the competition. With eight manufacturers currently on the grid across LMDh and Le Mans Hypercar classes, Genesis is set to join next year, followed by Ford in 2027. McLaren’s return to Le Mans signifies a significant milestone for the iconic British marque, as they aim to write a new chapter in their storied racing history.
