McLaren Announces Entry into the World Endurance Championship from 2027
McLaren, the reigning Formula 1 Constructors’ Champions, has officially revealed its plans to join the World Endurance Championship (WEC) beginning in the 2027 season. This bold move marks a significant return to top-tier endurance racing for the British team and signals a re-entry into one of motorsport’s most iconic events—the 24 Hours of Le Mans. McLaren last claimed victory at Le Mans in 1995, making their upcoming return one filled with both nostalgia and ambition.
This decision aligns with McLaren’s ongoing efforts to diversify its motorsport portfolio under the leadership of CEO Zak Brown, who has played a pivotal role in the brand’s expansion since taking over in late 2016. The announcement underscores McLaren’s desire to not only dominate Formula 1 but also leave a mark in other global motorsport arenas.
A New Chapter in Endurance Racing
The WEC has evolved into a highly competitive and attractive series for major automotive manufacturers. Over the past few years, a number of McLaren’s Formula 1 competitors have joined the championship, making it a star-studded battlefield of performance and innovation. Manufacturers such as Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Alpine—all familiar names in F1—have committed to the series. Additionally, long-standing endurance powerhouses like Toyota, Porsche, Peugeot, BMW, and Cadillac (who are also set to join Formula 1 in 2026) have solidified their presence in the WEC’s hypercar class.
The inclusion of McLaren adds further depth and excitement to an already competitive grid. With its heritage in racing and technical prowess, McLaren is expected to challenge these established names, bringing its own legacy and fanbase into the fold.
Zak Brown’s Vision for McLaren
McLaren’s expansion into the WEC is not a spontaneous decision but part of a broader, long-term vision helmed by Zak Brown. Since joining McLaren, Brown has been instrumental in revitalizing the team’s presence across multiple racing series. Under his guidance, McLaren returned to the Indianapolis 500, entered the full IndyCar Series, and established a team in Formula E, the all-electric single-seater championship. These moves have positioned McLaren as one of the most versatile and globally active racing teams today.
The addition of WEC to McLaren’s racing lineup is a natural progression, especially given the company’s deep-rooted history in endurance racing. The 1995 Le Mans victory, achieved with the McLaren F1 GTR on the team’s first attempt, remains one of the most remarkable achievements in endurance racing history. That triumph also made McLaren one of the only teams to win motorsport’s unofficial “Triple Crown,” alongside victories at the Monaco Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500.
With its 2027 WEC entry, McLaren hopes to recapture the spirit of that historic success while establishing itself as a consistent threat in the hypercar category.
Preparing for 2027
By targeting a debut in 2027, McLaren has given itself ample time to prepare for the technical and logistical challenges of entering the hypercar class. This preparation will likely involve the development of a competitive prototype car built to meet the demanding regulations and endurance-focused performance standards of the WEC.
The hypercar class is the top category in the World Endurance Championship, combining cutting-edge hybrid technologies with stunning design and speed. For McLaren, this presents not only a sporting challenge but also an opportunity to showcase its engineering innovation in a new light, beyond the confines of single-seater racing.
Multi-Series Commitment
McLaren’s entry into WEC further reflects the team’s broader motorsport ambitions. Alongside its mainstay Formula 1 team, McLaren now competes in IndyCar, Formula E, and Extreme E—demonstrating its commitment to a multi-series strategy. The team’s involvement in these various championships also serves as a platform for technological innovation, fan engagement, and commercial growth.
The Woking-based organization has managed this growth while maintaining strong performances in Formula 1, evidenced by their 2024 Constructors’ Championship title. Such achievements highlight the organizational depth and strategic planning that have made this expansion possible.
A Return to Le Mans
Perhaps most exciting for fans is McLaren’s return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. One of the most grueling and prestigious races in the world, Le Mans will provide the stage for McLaren to reassert itself in the endurance racing scene. Their 1995 win remains legendary, and anticipation is already building around what the team might accomplish in 2027.
In conclusion, McLaren’s decision to join the World Endurance Championship is a landmark announcement for motorsport fans. With fierce rivals, legendary races, and a rich history to draw from, the team’s return to endurance racing promises to be one of the most talked-about storylines in the years to come. Under the direction of Zak Brown, McLaren is poised to not only participate but to compete for victory—on yet another global motorsport stage.
