United Autosports Secures McLaren Hypercar Program with Dallara Partnership
In a groundbreaking move, United Autosports has officially been appointed to run McLaren’s entry into the Hypercar division of the World Endurance Championship. The British outfit will be responsible for fielding two of McLaren’s cutting-edge LMDh hybrid prototypes under the banner of McLaren United AS starting from the 2027 WEC season. This strategic alliance marks United Autosports’ well-deserved promotion to the Hypercar ranks following their remarkable success in the LMP2 prototype category and their collaboration with McLaren in the LMGT3 class.
The announcement, made at Le Mans ahead of this year’s 24 Hours race, also unveiled McLaren’s partnership with renowned Italian constructor Dallara for the development of its LMDh. The hypercar will be powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, setting the stage for an exhilarating competition in the WEC.
James Barclay, the current team principal of the Jaguar Formula E squad, is set to take the reins as the team principal of the McLaren Racing Hypercar operation. McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown expressed his confidence in United Autosports, emphasizing their proven track record in the motorsport realm. Brown highlighted the meticulous selection process, stating that while McLaren considered other potential partners, the seamless collaboration with United Autosports ultimately stood out.
United Autosports’ ambitions in the Hypercar category have long been evident, with discussions held with other manufacturers like Porsche and Bentley in the past. Richard Dean, team principal of United Autosports, emphasized the team’s readiness for this new challenge, citing recent victories at prestigious events like Le Mans and the Daytona 24 Hours as testament to their capabilities.
The decision to team up with Dallara was a strategic one, with Brown noting the manufacturer’s extensive experience and successful track record, particularly in the IndyCar Series. The choice of a twin-turbo V6 engine for the McLaren LMDh was driven by performance considerations, aligning with McLaren’s commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering top-tier technology.
Looking ahead, the McLaren LMDh is scheduled to undergo rigorous testing and development, with a targeted completion date set for the end of the first quarter of 2026. While there is interest in potentially expanding into the IMSA SportsCar Championship in the future, Brown emphasized the importance of focusing on one step at a time and the careful evaluation of all possibilities.
As the stage is set for a thrilling new chapter in McLaren’s racing legacy, the collaboration between McLaren, United Autosports, and Dallara promises to redefine excellence in the world of endurance racing. Stay tuned for more updates as this dynamic partnership prepares to take the motorsport world by storm.
