McLaren Unveils Full Details of Its WEC Hypercar Entry
McLaren has officially revealed the details of its return to the top tier of endurance racing in 2026 in the Hypercar class, ahead of the start of the Le Mans 24 Hours. The specifics of the programme were communicated at a press conference on Friday, confirming reports that had previously surfaced.
### Chassis and Engine
According to The Race, McLaren has opted for a car that complies with the LMDHh technical regulations, rather than a bespoke Hypercar. The chassis has been designed by Dallara, which is the same as the one used for the Cadillac V-Series.R and the BMW M Hybrid V8. The Dallara chassis was chosen from four eligible options, and will be powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine designed by McLaren Technology and McLaren Automotive. This engine is expected to be derived from the Artura supercar.
### The Operation
The racing team entrusted with carrying out the programme will be McLaren United AS, a partnership with sportscar stalwart United Autosports, co-owned by Richard Dean and Zak Brown, McLaren Racing CEO. United Autosports has a strong track record in endurance racing, having won the Le Mans 24 Hours twice (2020 and 2024), as well as clinching a European Le Mans Series title (2020) and a WEC title (2020). The team has also won several Asian Le Mans Series titles, the Daytona 24 Hours, and numerous LMP3 crowns.
### A Team Principal from Jaguar
James Barclay will join as team principal in September, switching over from his most recent role as Jaguar motorsport chief and specifically team principal of Jaguar TCS Racing in Formula E. Barclay will join the McLaren Racing Executive Leadership team and report to CEO Zak Brown. “James’ leadership will be crucial in guiding us through the coming months as we prepare for our 2027 entry,” Brown said. “We have a rich history in the sport. And with James at the helm, we are confident that McLaren Endurance Racing will quickly establish itself as a competitive and successful team.”
### Why Barclay?
Barclay has a strong background in endurance racing, having previously worked with Jaguar in Formula E. During his tenure, Jaguar secured 18 wins, 47 podiums, and 12 pole positions, as well as the 2024 teams’ and manufacturers’ crowns. Barclay has often expressed his passion for Le Mans and endurance racing, and has a keen interest in competing at the highest level. “I am honoured to be joining a brand with such an incredible history of racing excellence,” Barclay said. “The passion and commitment to success that McLaren Racing embodies is something I’ve always admired. I look forward to the challenge of building a team that competes at the highest level of racing and represents the pioneering spirit that McLaren is known for.”
### Conclusion
McLaren’s entry into the Hypercar category in 2027 is set to be a significant moment in the world of endurance racing. With a strong team in place, led by James Barclay and supported by United Autosports, McLaren is well-positioned to make an impact in the top tier of the sport. As The Race reports, McLaren’s return to endurance racing is expected to be a major player in the years to come.
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