McLaren signs Mikkel Jensen as first driver for 2027 hypercar return

 

Mikkel Jensen, Danish racing driver and McLaren Racing, returning to top tier endurance racing for the first time in nearly 30 years. Have announced that Jensen is signed as the first driver for its 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) hypercar programme. Jensen brings proven success in GT and prototype racing in addition to podiums in every full season of the WEC hypercar category.

McLaren selected him to help lead development of their new hypercar as they return to endurance racing’s top class for the first time in almost three decades.

James Barclay, Team Principal McLaren United AS WEC Hypercar Team said:”He has already proven himself as one of the most well-rounded sports-car racing drivers in the world, he brings with him a wealth of experience from the hypercar category.”

Jensen will play a significant role in the upcoming 12 months on the development of its new hypercar.

To do that, the company will need to overcome a high quality field of hungry hypercar rivals with no fewer than eight major global marques on the grid in 2026 and Ford similarly set to swell the fray in 12 months’ time.

Barclay commented: “Our WEC team is coming together nicely and Jensen is a fantastic addition.”

That sets the scene for what could well be the most fiercely disputed campaign in the championship’s history history.

Indeed, barely 30 years ago McLaren triumphed at La Sarthe on its debut in the legendary twice round the clock contest.

Mikkel Jensen, McLaren United AS WEC Hypercar Team Driver said:”Stepping onto the boulevard at McLaren Technology Centre gives me goosebumps – it not only brings to life how much history McLaren has in Formula One (F1), but the 1995 Le Mans – winning F1 GTR reminds me that we have an incredible endurance story to continue.”

The manufacturer is the only one ever to have clinched motorsport’s iconic “triple crown” and over the coming years, it is targeting a repeat performance.

By Charlie Gardner 

📸 Imagery courtesy of FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC)