McLaren signs world champion Laurens Vanthoor to lead its 2026 Hypercar charge
Laurens Vanthoor, the 2024 FIA Hypercar World Endurance Drivers’ Champion joins the McLaren Hypercar Team. Being signed as one of the first drivers for its brand new Hypercar programme which begins testing in 2026 and will race competitively in the 2027 FIA (Federation Internationale L’Automobile) World Endurance Championship (WEC). The programme is based within McLaren Racing supported operationally by United Autosports which steps up to the Hypercar category alongside McLaren for 2027.
During the past three seasons, Vanthoor has established himself as one of the standout drivers of the hypercar era, scoring three wins and five podiums, setting the standard in fast paced race craft.
Vanthoor, 2027 Driver McLaren Hypercar Team said: “When the Porsche Penske Motorsport WEC programme ended, I had to consider which team on the grid could give me the best chance of winning.”
After taking the Drivers’ Championship in 2024, he finished second overall at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2025 after a flawless performance from green to chequered flag meaning the iconic race still remains the one major title missing from his illustrious career.
The Belgian, who claimed multiple titles and race victories during a decade long career with Porsche will continue his 2026 IMSA campaign with the German marque.
James Barclay, Executive Director McLaren Endurance Racing added: “I also know and have seen how much it means for him to join McLaren after a fantastic career with Porsche.”
He will conclude his tenure with Porsche with a reduced IMSA programme in 2027, running alongside his full McLaren Hypercar WEC campaign.
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