McLaren has offered the first glimpse of its forthcoming MCL-HY Hypercar – the machine with which it will make its return to the pinnacle of international endurance racing next year for the first time in almost three decades, and a declaration of intent rooted in the marque’s rich heritage.
Sportscar racing is woven into McLaren’s DNA, from its dominance in North America’s Can-Am series during the late 1960s and early 1970s to the British brand’s legendary triumph on its debut in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995 with the F1 GTR.
The MCL-HY’s striking test livery was inspired by the iconic McLaren M6A, which won five out of six rounds in Can-Am competition in 1967, propelling Bruce McLaren to the coveted crown. The company’s eponymous founder dreamt of taking the M6A to La Sarthe, and it is also the car that first sported the famous ‘Papaya Orange’ look, after McLaren’s business partner, Teddy Mayer argued the colour would stand out both on-track and on TV.
The new Hypercar has been shaped by a tightly-integrated collaboration, applying cutting-edge engineering and aerodynamics capability from McLaren Racing while drawing upon the design expertise of McLaren Automotive.
Built to LMDh regulations, the MCL-HY combines a lightweight carbon-fibre monocoque chassis from Dallara with an in-house, twin‑turbocharged V6 engine mated to a hybrid MGU system, aimed at balancing outright performance with endurance racing efficiency. The race car is also the foundation for a first-of-its-kind track car variant, the MCL-HY GTR, currently being offered to VIP McLaren clients via the exclusive ‘Project: Endurance’ initiative.
McLaren Hypercar Team will commence on-track testing of the MCL-HY later this month – the beginning of a rigorous and robust programme led by works driver Mikkel Jensen with the support of McLaren Driver Development Programme members Grégoire Saucy and Richard Verschoor, as well as the experienced Ben Hanley from team partner, United Autosports.
“The reveal of the MCL-HY sets the scene for the next chapter of McLaren’s return to the top level of sportscar racing,” remarked James Barclay, Executive Director of McLaren Endurance Racing and Team Principal of McLaren Hypercar Team.
“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 sportscar racing, it represents the start of our journey ahead.”
Rejoining the premier class of international endurance racing notably manifests McLaren’s desire to once again conquer the sport’s celebrated ‘Triple Crown’, encompassing victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Monaco Grand Prix and Indianapolis 500. It is an accolade for which the brand is uniquely-placed to challenge.
“Years in the making and here we are,” commented McLaren Racing Chief Executive Officer, Zak Brown. “McLaren Racing now has race cars ready to contest the three biggest motorsport series in the world – a unique story that sets us apart.”
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