McLaren Names Jensen as First Hypercar Driver for 2027 Debut

McLaren has revealed Mikkel Jensen as the first driver for its assault on the top class of the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2027 with its all-new Hypercar effort.

The Dane had previously been part of Peugeot’s WEC lineup since the manufacturer made its series debut in 2022 but it was confirmed in November that he would be departing after the Bahrain season finale.

Jensen, who won the LMP2 class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2021, will instead switch to McLaren United AS, driving its yet-to-be named LMDh challenger.

The team is being operated by United Autosports and Jensen is currently competing for the squad in the LMP2 division of the Asian Le Mans Series. Jensen will also take part in next weekend’s Rolex 24 at Daytona with the team.

“I’m extremely proud to be joining the world championship-winning McLaren family and excited to be a part of its Hypercar project from the early stages,” said Jensen.

“Stepping onto the boulevard at the McLaren Technology Center gives me goosebumps – it not only brings to life how much history McLaren has in Formula 1 but the 1995 Le Mans-winning F1 GTR reminds me that we have an incredible endurance story to continue.”

McLaren Endurance Racing team principal James Barclay described Jensen as a “true racer” and a “great fit” for the squad’s WEC debut.

“Announcing Mikkel is another important milestone in the formation of our new Hypercar team,” he added.

“He has already proven himself as one of the most competitive and well-rounded sports car racing drivers in the world and will bring with him a wealth of experience from the Hypercar category.”

McLaren has previously revealed that its Hypercar will be based on a Dallara chassis and be powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 engine.