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Ford & McLaren enter WEC Hypercar wars
22 Jul
Summary
- Ford and McLaren debut LMDh prototypes in WEC.
- Both manufacturers have rich histories at Le Mans.
- Testing and driver lineups are progressing rapidly.
The World Endurance Championship is bracing for heightened competition as Ford and McLaren prepare to enter the Hypercar division with their LMDh prototypes for the 2027 season. This influx promises a more dynamic 10-way battle for outright victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours, assuming current manufacturers remain. Both Ford and McLaren have invested over a year in developing their new machines and are in advanced stages of preparation.
Ford achieved a significant milestone in July 2026 by firing up its 5.4-liter Coyote V8 engine for the first time in a fully assembled car at Oreca's French facility. Following this integration, on-track testing is slated to begin in August 2026 across various European circuits. The program will utilize a second test car later, with final development stages planned in North America. Ford has also finalized its driver lineup, including notable names like Mike Rockenfeller, Logan Sargeant, Tom Blomqvist, and Nick Yelloly.
McLaren's MCL-HY LMDh prototype is also on track, having undergone several tests with its Dallara chassis. The car made a public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2026, driven by Lando Norris and Gregoire Saucy. McLaren, in partnership with United Autosports, is continuing its testing regimen before homologation. While their driver roster is less complete than Ford's, key signings include Mikkel Jensen and Laurens Vanthoor. The development is managed by James Barclay, who has a strong background in motorsport leadership.
