McLaren Names Garage 59 as 2026 WEC Partner

Dubai, UAE – October 24, 2025: McLaren Automotive has confirmed that Garage 59 will become its new racing partner in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) starting from the 2026 season, taking over the race-winning LMGT3 programme previously operated by United Autosports.

The move marks an important step in McLaren’s expanding global motorsport presence. The decision follows McLaren’s earlier announcement that McLaren Racing will enter the WEC Hypercar class under the McLaren United AS banner, debuting in 2027.

As preparations for the Hypercar programme intensify, McLaren Automotive and United Autosports have mutually agreed that the team will now dedicate its full focus to developing and optimizing the new McLaren LMDh Hypercar, ensuring it delivers top-tier performance for its 2027 launch season.

A Proven Winner Joins Forces with McLaren

Garage 59, a team synonymous with endurance racing success, takes its name from McLaren’s iconic Le Mans-winning McLaren F1 GTR (car number 59). Over the past decade, the team has built a formidable reputation competing with McLaren machinery.

Their accomplishments include:

• Winning the 2016 Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup with McLaren Factory Driver Rob Bell.

• Securing the 2022 GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup Pro-Am title.

• Capturing the 2023 Bronze Cup and 2024 British GT Silver-Am title.

• Achieving multiple race victories and contending for the 2025 GT World Challenge Europe championship.

This record of sustained performance and technical excellence positions Garage 59 as a strong contender for success in WEC’s LMGT3 category.

McLaren GT3 EVO: A Rising Force in Endurance Racing

Since its WEC debut in 2023, the McLaren GT3 EVO has rapidly established itself as a front-running car in the LMGT3 class. The car made headlines by securing pole position on McLaren’s return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, becoming the first manufacturer to lock out the front row.

Under United Autosports, the GT3 EVO achieved multiple podiums and claimed its first WEC race victory at the Circuit of the Americas in September 2025. Building on this momentum, Garage 59 will now spearhead McLaren’s LMGT3 campaign, aiming for championship contention in 2026.

Leadership Comments

Nick Collins, CEO, McLaren Automotive, said:
“With success achieved by our Formula 1 team, the growing excitement around our Hypercar project, and the race-winning performance of our GT programme, this is a thrilling era for McLaren. We extend our gratitude to United Autosports for their immense contribution, including our maiden WEC victory this year. We now look forward to continuing our success with Garage 59 in 2026 as we strengthen our presence in endurance racing.”

Andrew Kirkaldy, Team Principal, Garage 59, added:
“We are honoured to represent McLaren on the global stage of the WEC. Competing with two McLaren GT3 EVOs is not just a step up—it’s a statement of intent. We know how competitive the championship is, but with the right people, infrastructure, and determination, we are ready to fight at the front from day one.”

Richard Dean, CEO, United Autosports, commented:
“Racing in the WEC is a privilege, and while it’s difficult to step back from LMGT3, our focus now shifts fully to the Hypercar class. Competing for outright victories at circuits like Le Mans has been a long-term dream, and we’re working tirelessly to make it a success. We thank WEC for their support and wish Garage 59 and McLaren Automotive the very best for the 2026 season. We’ll return stronger than ever in 2027 as the McLaren United AS WEC Hypercar Team.”