McLaren MCL-HY Completes Initial Rollout in Italy

Photo: McLaren

McLaren’s LMDh challenger has taken to the track for the first time, ahead of its debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship next year.

Mikkel Jensen was at the wheel of the newly-named McLaren MCL-HY in what the British manufacturer has proclaimed as a “hugely successful” rollout on Monday at Varano, near its LMDh chassis partner Dallara’s headquarters in Italy.

The car’s initial fire-up and exit out of the pit lane came just one hour before McLaren released the initial images of its new Hypercar class challenger.

“The McLaren Hypercar feels great,” said Jensen. “We went through all of our run plan, mainly system checks, making sure the gearbox, engine, all the systems, a lot of the software in the car [was] working well.

“So now [it’s] getting more detailed into how we can optimize the car.

“It’s been a great day [and] a lot of fun driving the car for the first time. [There’s] a lot of work from here to be ready for next season.”

McLaren Driver Development Program member Gregoire Saucy also drove over driving duties over the course of the two-day test.

Fellow program member Richard Verschoor and United Autosports team regular Ben Hanley will also be part of the car’s initial development process.

“When I joined the McLaren Driver Development Program, I dreamed that it would lead to driving the McLaren Hypercar,” said Saucy.

“So, to be asked to support the test program is an opportunity that I feel very fortunate to have.

“Thank you to McLaren Racing and thanks everyone in the McLaren Hypercar Team for working so hard to deliver the MCL-HY test car on time and with a team in a strong position to enter an intensive 2026 program.”

The second day, on Tuesday, began with rain which delayed track activity, but the drivers managed to continue testing the car, including further full-power laps.

The MCL-HY has become the second earliest LMDh car to complete a rollout prior to its anticipated race debut, with only the Porsche 963 having been track testing earlier than the current timeline, when it rolled out its car on Jan. 13, 2022 ahead of its debut in the Rolex 24 at Daytona the following year.

‘Over 12 months ago, we set an ambitious target to out our WEC Hypercar on May 4, 2026,” said McLaren Endurance Racing executive director James Barclay.

“To stand trackside just after 9 a.m. on that exact day and watch the MCL-HY leave the garage was a proud moment for everyone involved in the team and our supply chain.

“The level of organization , determination, collaboration and effort required to achieve this cannot be overstated.

“Our newly formed team not only arrived on schedule, but exceptionally well prepared, with a car ready to execute its program.

“Whilst its early in our journey, with lots to still do and to the level we want, achieving this milestone means we have started to create a very solid foundation on which we can build our momentum for the 2026 test plan we have in place.”

Photo: McLaren

Photo: McLaren

Photo: McLaren

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