Ahead of its debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship’s top-tier in 2027, McLaren Hypercar Team reached a major milestone earlier this week, as the MCL-HY completed its initial on-track running in the hands of Mikkel Jensen.
The newly-formed outfit, set to enter the championship as McLaren United AS, assembled trackside for the first time in Italy after more than 12 months of intensive collaboration and preparation.
Shortly after 09:00 on Monday, former Peugeot racer Jensen guided the newly-named prototype out of the garage at the Autodromo Riccardo Paletti in Varano de’ Melegari, in so doing becoming the first driver to turn a wheel in McLaren’s maiden top-category sportscar since the 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning F1 GTR.
“It really was an honour to be the first person ever to drive the MCL-HY,” enthused the Dane, who was confirmed as a race driver for the famous British marque’s Hypercar effort back in January. “When I made the choice to sit this season out of FIA WEC and join McLaren Racing at the very beginning of its return to the top level of sportscar racing, it was so that I could be part of moments like this.
“To then have a very successful two days of running means I’m leaving Italy very happy with my choices. Huge credit to the team for hitting this milestone – after this rollout, I’m even more sure this is going to be an incredible programme to be part of.”
Grégoire Saucy subsequently took over driving duties, as the team continued to make encouraging progress. The 26-year-old Swiss star will support the squad throughout its 2026 testing schedule.
“When I joined the McLaren Driver Development Programme, I dreamt it would lead to driving the McLaren Hypercar,” Saucy revealed. “To be asked to support the test programme is an opportunity I feel very fortunate to have.”
“Over 12 months ago, we set an ambitious target to roll out our FIA WEC Hypercar on 4 May, 2026,” added McLaren Endurance Racing Executive Director and Team Principal of McLaren Hypercar Team, James Barclay. “To stand trackside on that exact day and watch the MCL-HY leave the garage was a proud moment for everyone involved. The level of organisation, determination, collaboration and effort required to achieve that cannot be overstated.
“Our newly-formed team not only arrived on-schedule, but exceptionally well-prepared, with a car ready to execute its programme. Whilst it is early in our journey, with lots still to do to the level we want, achieving this milestone means we have started to create a very solid foundation upon which we can build our momentum for the 2026 test plan we have in-place.”
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