McLaren has confirmed its return to Le Mans with a brand-new race car set to compete in 2027. Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, revealed the bright orange prototype ahead of this year’s race, marking a major step in the brand’s endurance racing journey.
The timing celebrates 30 years since McLaren’s stunning 1995 Le Mans debut. That year, the team entered with the McLaren F1 GTR and secured first, third, fourth, fifth, and 13th places. That debut win completed the rare motorsport Triple Crown with victories at the Monaco Grand Prix, Indianapolis 500, and Le Mans.
In 2027, McLaren will enter the Hypercar category under the LMDh format. This ruleset requires the use of a standardized chassis and hybrid system to help control development costs. McLaren chose Dallara as its chassis supplier. Dallara also supports Cadillac and BMW and currently works with McLaren in IndyCar.
The new race car will run a twin-turbo V6 engine. While McLaren hasn’t shared final specs, Hypercar rules limit output to 671 horsepower. Unlike the naturally aspirated V12 in the original McLaren F1, the new engine will focus on maximum efficiency under endurance racing demands. Engineers from McLaren Racing and McLaren Automotive are working together to develop the powertrain.
McLaren joins a growing list of manufacturers competing in Hypercar, including Ferrari, Toyota, Peugeot, Porsche, and Cadillac. By 2027, Genesis and Ford will also be on the grid. McLaren’s announcement follows confirmation from the FIA and ACO that Hypercar rules will remain in place until 2032. This gives the team a solid window to develop and compete long-term.
To ensure the Formula 1 team stays focused, McLaren will partner with United Autosports. This race-winning team, co-owned by Zak Brown, has claimed LMP2 victories at both Le Mans and in the World Endurance Championship.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, McLaren’s F1 drivers, have shown interest in racing at Le Mans. Brown shared that they’ve talked about it but remain focused on chasing the F1 world title for now.
With its official entry confirmed, McLaren looks to add a new chapter to its legacy at Le Mans. The 2027 race will be the team’s opportunity to challenge the world’s top endurance manufacturers and honor its rich motorsport history.
