Laurens Vanthoor Named McLaren Hypercar Driver

Photo: McLaren

Longtime Porsche factory pilot and 2024 FIA World Endurance drivers’ champion Laurens Vanthoor will join the McLaren Hypercar team for its debut in the WEC next year.

As first reported by Sportscar365, the 34-year-old Belgian will take on a dual-manufacturer program, having been loaned out to the British manufacturer by Porsche, as Vanthoor steps back to an endurance-only role with Porsche Penske Motorsport in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

The 2027 season will be Vanthoor’s final with the German brand.

Vanthoor becomes the second confirmed driver in McLaren United AS’ lineup, joining Mikkel Jensen, who turned the first laps of the McLaren MCL-HY earlier this week at Varano.

Additionally, Porsche has given permission for Vanthoor to be part of the MCL-HY’s development program this year.

“I’ve been fortunate to be in the right position to win many major sports car races, but I’ve made no secret that, in recent years, everything I do is geared towards an overall win at Le Mans,” said Vanthoor.

“I’m not even joking when I say it keeps me awake at night.

“We came so close last year and, when the Porsche Penske Motorsport WEC programme ended, I had to consider which team on the grid could give me the best chance of winning.

“For me, the choice was clearly McLaren Racing. They are at the top of their game in Formula 1 and IndyCar, and I believe the same will be true in WEC.

“They are as obsessed with winning as I am and, together, we’ll do what it takes.

“I’d also like to thank everyone at Porsche for an incredible decade of racing, I am fully committed to finishing our journey together with more trophies, and I am grateful for your support in helping me to chase my dream.”

McLaren Endurance executive director James Barclay added: “When we first started speaking it was incredibly clear how committed and focused he is to be successful at Le Mans and in the World Endurance Championship.

“This hunger and commitment along with his sportscar racing experience makes him a great fit for our new team.

“I also know and have seen how much it means for him to join McLaren after a fantastic career with Porsche.

“We must thank Porsche for enabling Laurens to be part of our test program in 2026. In Laurens, they have helped develop one of the greatest sports car drivers in the world, and we’re delighted that the opportunity arose to bring him into the McLaren Hypercar Team.”

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