Optimum Motorsport will embark on its most ambitious GT World Challenge (GTWC) powered by AWS programme to date in 2026. The British squad will field two cars in the Endurance Cup and, crucially, will add a Sprint Cup entry for the first time, thereby contesting the full 10-round championship.
As a result, the McLaren outfit takes a significant step forward in its seventh season of GT World Challenge Europe competition. One car will compete in the Silver Cup, while the other will chase honours in the Gold Cup category, ensuring representation across multiple classes.
Optimum Motorsport #4 McLaren targets 2026 GTWC Gold Cup success
The #4 McLaren will spearhead Optimum’s Gold Cup challenge, with Adam Smalley leading the driver line-up. The 25-year-old has built an impressive résumé, claiming victories in one-make Ginetta and Porsche series before stepping up to GT World Challenge machinery.
Over the past two seasons, Smalley has established himself in the series, most notably securing an overall victory at last year’s Barcelona finale. Consequently, he brings both momentum and experience into the 2026 campaign.
Smalley will partner two series rookies. However, both drivers arrive with strong credentials. Harry George already boasts a close relationship with the team, having clinched last year’s British GT GT4 Silver title with Optimum. Meanwhile, Freddie Tomlinson impressed observers with a strong GT2 Europe debut at the end of 2025, earning his opportunity in GT3 competition.
#5 McLaren embarks on full-season Silver charge
In parallel, the #5 McLaren will contest the full season in the Silver Cup class. Guilherme Oliviera and Mikey Porter will share driving duties throughout the year, while Dante Rappange will join the pair for the Endurance rounds.
Portuguese racer Oliviera prepares for his third GT World Challenge campaign, having previously raced with Dinamic GT and Garage 59. Notably, he already holds experience aboard McLaren machinery, which should ease his transition into Optimum’s programme.
Porter, by contrast, continues his journey with the team for a second season. The Englishman made his series debut at just 17 years of age and recently earned recognition as one of McLaren’s GT3 Junior Drivers. Therefore, he represents both present performance and future promise for the squad.
Rappange adds further depth and experience. The Dutchman competed with Comtoyou Racing in 2024 aboard an Aston Martin before switching to Lamborghini machinery with Grasser Racing last term. Despite being only 22, he stands as the eldest member of the #5 crew, underlining the youthful profile of the line-up.
A new chapter for the team
Team boss Shaun Goff emphasised the significance of the expanded programme, stating:
“I’m extremely proud of the team and what we have achieved over the last decade. We’ve gone from strength to strength, and this year will be our seventh season in GT World Challenge Europe, where the level of competition is world-class.
“Entering the Sprint Cup for the first time, and fielding two cars in the Endurance Cup, each with incredibly strong driver line-ups, marks yet another new chapter for Optimum Motorsport, following our Macau GT Cup debut at the end of 2025, and then our first time out at Bathurst 12 Hour last month.”
Ultimately, Optimum Motorsport enters 2026 with renewed ambition. By committing to a full-season Sprint Cup effort and strengthening its Endurance presence, the McLaren squad positions itself for its most competitive and comprehensive campaign yet.
