McLaren Racing has added major firepower to its upcoming FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar programme by confirming Laurens Vanthoor as its second driver.
The former world champion will join Mikkel Jensen in McLaren’s 2027 line-up, as the British marque prepares to return to top-level international endurance racing with its MCL-HY prototype.
McLaren announced Vanthoor’s arrival during a busy week for the project. The team recently revealed the MCL-HY name and testing livery, before the car completed its first laps at Varano’s Autodromo Riccardo Paletti in Italy. Jensen handled that initial running, and Vanthoor will now bring proven Hypercar experience to the development push.
Vanthoor targets the Le Mans prize
Vanthoor arrives at McLaren with one clear ambition: overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Belgian has built one of the strongest endurance racing records of his generation, and his decade-long spell with Porsche delivered several major wins and titles.
He also claimed the 2024 FIA WEC Drivers’ Championship after taking two wins and three further podiums. However, Le Mans still drives him. Last year, he came within 15 seconds of outright victory at the twice-round-the-clock classic, and that near miss still fuels his next move.
“I’ve been fortunate to be in the right position to win many major sportscar races, but I’ve made no secret that, in recent years, everything I do is geared towards an overall win at Le Mans,” commented 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 FIA 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 FIA WEC. They are as obsessed with winning as I am and, together, we’ll do what it takes.”
McLaren builds around experience and momentum
Vanthoor’s signing gives McLaren a driver with current Hypercar knowledge, championship pedigree and a clear understanding of what it takes to fight at the front of the FIA WEC field. His arrival also supports the early technical phase of the MCL-HY project, as McLaren prepares for its 2027 race debut.
The programme will run in partnership with United Autosports, a proven sportscar operation with deep endurance racing experience. Together, the two organisations aim to re-establish McLaren at the highest level of global endurance racing for the first time in almost three decades.
Barclay praises Vanthoor’s hunger
McLaren Endurance Racing Executive Director and McLaren Hypercar Team Principal James Barclay believes Vanthoor can play a key role in shaping the team’s future. He highlighted the Belgian’s pace, experience and desire to win as major assets for the new operation.
“Firstly, I would like to welcome Laurens to McLaren Racing,” Barclay remarked. “His experience, speed and sportscar racing skillset is an asset to our new team. 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.
“That hunger and commitment make him a great fit. I also know and have seen how much it means for him to join McLaren after a fantastic career with Porsche. In Laurens, they have helped to develop one of the greatest sportscar drivers in the world, and we’re delighted that the opportunity arose to bring him into the McLaren Hypercar Team.”
Vanthoor a statement signing for McLaren’s WEC return
McLaren has already shown serious intent with the MCL-HY’s launch, first track run and partnership with United Autosports. Now, by adding Vanthoor alongside Jensen, the team has matched that technical ambition with elite driving talent.
As the Hypercar grid continues to grow, McLaren’s return will carry major attention. However, Vanthoor’s arrival gives the project more than profile. It gives McLaren a proven winner who understands the pressure, pace and precision required to chase world titles and Le Mans glory.
