McLaren reveals MCL-HY Hypercar for 2027 WEC and Le Mans return plus Triple Crown bid

The car will begin on-track testing in May 2026 before homologation in the winter, as McLaren prepares to return to the top class at Le Mans and revive its Triple Crown ambitions across Formula 1, IndyCar and endurance racing.

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said: “Years and months in the making and here we are, revealing the MCL-HY to the world. McLaren Racing now has three race cars ready to contest the biggest motorsport series in the world; Formula 1, INDYCAR and WEC.

"This means McLaren, its partners and fans can challenge for the Triple Crown of Monaco GP, INDY500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans together, a unique cross-series story that sets us apart," added the McLaren boss.

The MCL-HY has been revealed in a 2026 test livery inspired by the McLaren M6A, linking the programme to Bruce McLaren’s Can-Am era and the M6GT project he once hoped to take to Le Mans.

McLaren last won Le Mans outright in 1995 with the F1 GTR. Its return in 2027 will place the British marque back in the premier sports car class against established Hypercar rivals in one of endurance racing’s most competitive eras.

Built to ACO and IMSA LMDh regulations, the MCL-HY uses a lightweight carbon fibre monocoque, a twin-turbocharged V6 race engine and hybrid MGU system. Output is listed at up to 520kW, or 707PS, to the rear axle, with a minimum weight of 1,030kg.

McLaren also confirmed the MCL-HY GTR, an ultra-exclusive track car derivative offered to VIP clients through its Project: Endurance programme.

McLaren Automotive CEO Nick Collins said: “This is an exciting moment in McLaren’s history, and we are thrilled to launch this new journey through the Project: Endurance programme. The MCL-HY GTR will offer an FIA Hypercar experience, unprecedented in its accessibility, to track driving enthusiasts.

"Those who come with us on this journey will see and feel the absolute best of McLaren, and how our racing heritage is shaping our future more than ever.”

Unlike the WEC car, the GTR version will not use the mandated LMDh hybrid system. It will be powered purely by a 2.9 litre twin-turbocharged racing engine, producing around 730PS with a lower dry weight.

McLaren said the MCL-HY GTR ownership package will include access to the team’s WEC operation, plus a 2 year, 6 event track driving programme with professional coaching, pit crew and race engineering support.

James Barclay, Executive Director, McLaren Endurance Racing and Team Principal of McLaren Hypercar Team, said: “The reveal of the MCL-HY sets the scene for the next chapter of McLaren’s return to the top level of sports car racing: from the test livery that reflects and respects our 1960s Can-Am roots.

"To our new hybrid-powered Hypercar that has been designed and is being developed by our world-class team to take on this exciting and highly competitive era of sports car racing; through to the track car programme that, like the 1995 McLaren F1 GTR, brings our customers back to the driving seat of our outright Le Mans challenger. It represents the start of our journey ahead.”

McLaren Hypercar Team works driver Mikkel Jensen will lead the 2026 test programme, supported by Driver Development Programme members Gregoire Saucy and Richard Verschoor, along with United Autosports driver Ben Hanley.