ELMS Champion Saucy Secures McLaren Hypercar Seat

European Le Mans Series champion Gregoire Saucy is the latest driver to be announced as racing McLaren’s new MCL-HY Hypercar in the FIA World Endurance Championship next season.

McLaren Driver Development Program member Saucy has been involved in the Hypercar project from the beginning and was one of two drivers, alongside Mikkel Jensen, to have driven the MCL-HY for its initial rollout at Varano back in May.

He has subsequently completed other tests in the United Autosports-run car and has been rewarded with a race seat at the wheel of the McLaren for its WEC debut next season.

Saucy has impressed since making the switch from single-seaters to sports cars in 2024, spending two years at the wheel of a United McLaren 720S GT3 Evo in WEC.

He then won this year’s ELMS title driving a United Oreca 07 Gibson with Griffin Peebles and Ben Hanley.

“I am over the moon to be given this opportunity,” said Saucy.

“When I joined the McLaren Hypercar Team for its development season, I hoped it might lead to a full-time race seat, but I knew there was a great deal of experienced talent in the driver market.

“I stayed focused, worked hard and adapted quickly to the MCL-HY.

“I have loved every second with this team: the standards are incredibly high, the people are supportive and the atmosphere is fantastic.”

McLaren Endurance Racing team principal James Barclay added: “Gregoire’s promotion is exactly what the McLaren Driver Development Program is designed to achieve: identifying exceptional talent, supporting that development and creating a genuine pathway to a works race seat.

“He has impressed us throughout the MCL-HY test program with his pace, methodical approach within the team and his progress over the intensive testing schedule.

“He has earned this opportunity, and we are excited to see him take the next step in his career with McLaren.”

Saucy becomes the fifth driver to be announced as racing the MCL-HY next year, following Jensen, Laurens Vanthoor, Alex Lynn and fellow MDDP member Leonardo Fornaroli.

Peugeot driver Malthe Jakobsen is expected to be announced imminently in the final seat, with the French manufacturer having recently confirmed that this weekend’s Monza WEC finale will be his last race at the wheel of a Peugeot 9X8.