The 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season is already heating up, with Indonesian star Sean Gelael making a high-profile move to United Autosports, completing the driver lineup for the team’s #95 McLaren 720S LMGT3 EVO. Gelael’s switch follows that of teammate Darren Leung, forming a dynamic duo alongside returning driver Marino Sato.
A New Chapter for Gelael and United Autosports
Gelael enters his fifth full-time WEC season after a strong 2024 campaign with Team WRT, where he co-piloted the #31 BMW M4 GT3 with Leung and Augusto Farfus. Their collaboration yielded impressive results, including a win at the 6 Hours of Imola and a second-place finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Despite his recent success in the LMGT3 category, much of Gelael’s career has been defined by his performances in LMP2 machinery, where he achieved 10 WEC podiums and two vice-championship finishes.
Expressing his excitement for the move, Gelael said:
“I am super excited to be in a car with United Autosports after being long-term rivals. It’s a strong opportunity to win the championship after finishing second twice … fifth time’s the charm!”
United Autosports: A Legacy of Excellence
United Autosports, a team renowned for its success in endurance racing, is eager to return to championship-winning form. The team’s pedigree includes an LMP2 victory at Le Mans and the WEC title in 2020. In 2024, however, their LMGT3 debut season proved challenging, with only one podium finish to their name. Now armed with the McLaren 720S LMGT3 EVO and an experienced driver lineup, the team is poised for a resurgence.
Richard Dean, CEO of United Autosports, expressed confidence in Gelael’s addition:
“After years of competing against each other in LMP2 and LMGT3, we now have Sean’s speed, skill, and determination on our side. Together with Darren and Marino, we have an incredibly competitive driver lineup in the #95 McLaren … it’s a very real WEC championship contender.”
The Road to 2025: A Competitive Edge
Gelael’s move to United Autosports brings renewed energy to the team. His chemistry with Leung, cultivated during their 2024 campaign, is expected to strengthen their pursuit of the championship. The addition of Marino Sato, known for his speed and consistency, rounds out a formidable trio.
United Autosports is also betting on the second year of the LMGT3 category to yield stronger results. After a year of fine-tuning the McLaren package, the team is better equipped to capitalize on its potential.
WEC 2025: A Season of High Stakes
The 2025 WEC season kicks off on February 28 in Qatar with an 1812km opener—a grueling 10-hour race that will test both cars and drivers. For United Autosports, this marks the beginning of their renewed championship ambitions. While the #95 McLaren lineup is finalized, fans eagerly await confirmation of the driver roster for the team’s second car, the #59 McLaren.
As the season approaches, the question looms: can Gelael and his teammates deliver United Autosports back to the top step of the podium? With their sights set on WEC glory, the stakes couldn’t be higher.