Elite Motorsport Partners With McLaren for Talent Pathway

Photo: McLaren

Elite Motorsport has partnered with McLaren Motorsport to assist in feeding its factory driver talent pipeline.

The championship-winning British squad, whose previous alumni include Formula 1 driver Isack Hadjar, as well as sports car racing stars Harry King and Tom Gamble plus current McLaren Trophy America driver Tommy Pintos, will offer its pool of drivers to McLaren Motorsport for advise and support.

The program is aimed to create an accelerated journey for drivers on to the McLaren Motorsport factory driver ladder.

Founded in 2011 by Eddie Ives, Elite Motorsport has grown to become one of UK’s top teams, running 19 cars in six championships.

It won the 2024 GT4 European Series Powered by RAFA Racing Club title with Tom Lebbon and Josh Rattican, who has since become a McLaren Motorsport GT3 Junior driver.

“We have known Eddie and the team at Elite Motorsport for a long time, and they do a great job of helping to nurture young drivers,” said McLaren Automotive sporting director Rob Bell.

“We have seen it first-hand with Tom Gamble, Josh Rattican and Tommy Pintos, who all started out on their motorsport journey with Elite and became involved with our factory driver program, so we are well aware of the talent that they foster.

“This relationship helps add structure to ease the way for drivers to move seamlessly into GT racing with McLaren.”

Ives added: “Partnering with McLaren for this talent pathway is a proud moment for everyone at Elite Motorsport.

“Developing young drivers, both on and off the track, has always been at the heart of what we do, giving them the best possible chance to build professional careers in the sport.

“This collaboration reinforces that commitment and provides a clear pathway to the very top.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John