In a groundbreaking move that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, Ford has announced the recruitment of Leena Gade, the celebrated engineer renowned for her triumphs at the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours, to spearhead its ambitious Hypercar programme in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). This strategic signing marks a significant step forward as Ford gears up to unveil its cutting-edge Oreca-based LMDh prototype, set to make waves in the Hypercar class come 2027.
Gade’s appointment is no mere coincidence; Ford has recognized her as an essential asset to their competitive aspirations. The British engineer, whose expertise in long-distance racing is unparalleled, is expected to play a pivotal role in refining the team’s strategies at the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe. Gade, born to Indian immigrant parents in the UK, has an illustrious history, having been a key player in Audi’s formidable LMP1 program that dominated the WEC with outright wins at Le Mans in 2011, 2012, and 2014, alongside a slew of world titles.
After Audi’s exit from the championship in 2016, Gade made a significant move across the Atlantic to the United States, where she expanded her horizons across various racing series. In 2018, she made headlines by joining Schmidt Peterson Motorsport (now Arrow McLaren) as a race engineer for IndyCar star James Hinchcliffe, before transitioning to work with Multimatic on Mazda’s DPi car in the IMSA SportsCar Championship. Her vast knowledge and experience have not gone unnoticed, leading to her elevation as president of the FIA GT Commission.
Gade is not alone in her quest to elevate Ford’s racing pedigree. The American automotive giant has also secured the talents of Grant Clarke, who has been appointed as trackside engineering manager. Clarke arrives with a wealth of experience, having led race engineering for McLaren in Formula E and holding notable roles in endurance racing with TF Sport and Prodrive.
Furthermore, the team is set to benefit from the expertise of Jean-Philippe Sarrazin, who will be transitioning from Porsche following the conclusion of their Hypercar programme. Sarrazin’s extensive career in sports car racing has seen him excel as the race engineer for the #6 Porsche 963 LMDh, which clinched the Hypercar title in 2024. His impressive resume includes tenures at prestigious teams like Prema, G-Drive, Algarve Pro, and Ligier.
As the countdown to 2027 begins, Ford’s strategic hires signal a fierce commitment to reclaiming its legacy in endurance racing. With engineers of Gade’s caliber and a robust team assembled, the stakes have never been higher. Fans and competitors alike are eagerly awaiting what promises to be an electrifying chapter in the world of motorsport as Ford sets its sights on conquering the Hypercar class. The racing world is watching—will Ford emerge victorious once again? Only time will tell.
