McLaren unveils Le Mans-bound MCL-HY hypercar contender

©McLaren

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A Papaya torch has been lit for a historic return! On Monday, McLaren officially unveiled its MCL-HY stunning LMDh prototype that will spearhead the manufacturer’s charge back to the top step of the podium in the World Endurance Championship and at Le Mans in 2027.

Built on a Dallara chassis and powered by a V6 twin-turbo engine born from a joint venture between McLaren Racing and McLaren Automotive, the MCL-HY is a technical marvel.

But it’s the test livery that stole the show: a vibrant tribute to McLaren’s M6A, the Can-Am beast raced by Bruce McLaren himself in 1967.

Honoring a founder’s unfinished business

The choice of colors is far more than a stylistic whim; it is a bridge to the very foundations of the company. A McLaren statement on Instagram captured the weight of the moment:

“This is the FIA WEC and 24 Hours of Le Mans Hypercar that will return McLaren to the top class of sports car racing. And the livery? Inspired by the M6A - our first ever championship-winning car, built and raced by Bruce [McLaren] himself,” McLaren said.

©McLaren

“After winning Le Mans in 1966 with Ford, Bruce went on to dominate Can-Am in 1967. It was here, in the M6A, that he saw a road back to Le Mans – this time in a McLaren. Tragically, he never saw it realised.

“So, as we prepare to join WEC in 2027, this test livery carries that ambition forward.”

The ultimate motorsport ambition

While Mikkel Jensen is currently the only confirmed seat for 2027, the testing program is already revving up with a talent-heavy roster including Richard Verschoor, Gregoire Saucy, and Ben Hanley.

For McLaren CEO Zak Brown, this isn't just about winning a single race; it’s about solidifying McLaren’s status as the most versatile racing entity on the planet.

©McLaren

Brown emphasized the grand scale of this new chapter, stating:

“McLaren Racing now has three race cars ready to contest the biggest motorsport series in the world; Formula 1, IndyCar and WEC,” the American said.

“This means McLaren, its partners and fans can challenge for the Triple Crown of Monaco GP, Indy 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans together – a unique cross-series story that sets us apart.”

Read also: Vettel teases dream Le Mans team-up with Verstappen

With United Autosports transitioning from GT duties to manage the Hypercar operation, the pieces are moving into place.

As the MCL-HY begins its testing phase, the racing world watches with bated breath to see if the spirit of Bruce McLaren can finally conquer the Mulsanne Straight in a car bearing his own name.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.