McLaren Reveals MCL-HY Ahead of First Test

McLaren Endurance Racing has unveiled its new MCL-HY Hypercar challenger that is due to make its debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship next season ahead of track testing of the car beginning later this month.

McLaren announced in April that the machine would be designated the MCL-HY and has now revealed the actual car for the first time in a test livery inspired by the M6A that company founder Bruce McLaren had dreamed of taking to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the late 1960s.

It had previously displayed what was described as a concept car at last year’s Le Mans event.

The MCL-HY features a Dallara-built LMDh chassis and is powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 engine, and it has also inspired a track day version that is due to be delivered to the first customers next year.

McLaren has so far only confirmed one driver for its 2027 WEC entry, former Peugeot racer Mikkel Jensen, with the pair of cars being run by United Autosports.

But the manufacturer has revealed that Jensen will be joined at the wheel for the MCL-HY’s initial testing by McLaren Driver Development Program members Richard Verschoor and Gregoire Saucy — who both compete in the European Le Mans Series this year after successful single-seater careers — as well as United Autosports team regular Ben Hanley.

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown told Sportscar365 last month that it was waiting for the driver market to settle before making a final decision on its lineup.

The MCL-HY marks McLaren’s first entry into the top class of Le Mans since its F1 GTR program that won the endurance classic in 1995.

“McLaren Racing now has three race cars ready to contest the biggest motorsport series in the world; Formula 1, IndyCar and WEC,” said Brown.

“This means McLaren, its partners and fans can challenge for the Triple Crown of Monaco GP, Indy 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans together – a unique cross-series story that sets us apart.”

McLaren Endurance Racing team principal James Barclay added: “The reveal of the MCL-HY sets the scene for the next chapter of McLaren’s return to the top level of sports car racing.

“From the test livery that reflects and respects our 1960s Can-Am roots; to our new hybrid-powered Hypercar that has been designed and is being developed by our world-class team to take on this exciting and highly competitive era of sports car racing.

“Through to the track car program that, like the 1995 McLaren F1 GTR, brings our customers back to the driving seat of our outright Le Mans challenger. It represents the start of our journey ahead.”

Alongside its WEC entry, McLaren has also discussed the idea of competing in the GTP class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with the MCL-HY, but Brown said this may not be until 2030 when the next rules cycle comes into effect.