McLaren has taken a significant step towards formally confirming a future factory Hypercar program, RACER understands, following years of internal evaluation.
Approval in principle for the program is understood to have been given in recent weeks at McLaren, with work now underway on developing a fully-funded factory effort, most likely for a 2027 starting point. This would give the Woking-based brand three seasons of competition with its car before the current Hypercar regulation cycle – which was recently extended by two years – comes to an end in 2029.
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When last questioned by RACER, senior McLaren management suggested that the most likely scenario would be a factory program in the FIA WEC, with an IMSA presence looking a less likely bolt-on. There is also no appetite for customer cars at this stage.
The program would be for an LMDh rules prototype and, whilst there is no confirmation of a confirmed chassis partner, Dallara looks the most likely choice at present.
RACER believes there are plans for rapid steps forward for the program’s financial planning, with some sources suggesting a formal confirmation at Le Mans, 30 years after the British brand’s overall victory, is part of the over-arching strategy.
If and when confirmed, McLaren will join Aston Martin (2025) and Genesis (likely 2026 in FIA WEC with IMSA to follow) as confirmed future Hypercar factory programs, with several others continuing formal evaluation processes. At least one additional major manufacturer is a real prospect to join that list in the coming months.