In a thrilling return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, McLaren is once again making headlines with its GT3 EVO race cars, signaling a new chapter in the marque’s storied endurance racing history. Nearly three decades after the legendary McLaren F1 GTR’s breathtaking debut victory in 1995, McLaren’s racing partner United Autosports will field two McLaren GT3 EVO cars in the 2025 LM GT3 class, aiming to replicate and build on past glories at one of motorsport’s most iconic events.
The 1995 Le Mans race remains etched in endurance racing folklore. McLaren’s F1 GTRs, which were making their first appearance at the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe, defied expectations by not only winning the LM GT1 class but also taking four of the top five finishing positions overall. The #59 car, in particular, claimed the historic victory that set the tone for McLaren’s ongoing commitment to endurance racing.
Fast forward to the present, and McLaren’s involvement in Le Mans continues with renewed vigour. The 2024 edition marked the GT3 EVO’s debut at Le Mans, with the team securing a stunning class pole position in qualifying—a testament to the car’s pace, reliability, and the skill of the drivers behind the wheel. This promising start laid a solid foundation for United Autosports and McLaren to build on in 2025.
This year, United Autosports will run two McLaren GT3 EVOs in the fiercely competitive LM GT3 class. The #59 car carries the legacy number and is entrusted to an experienced trio of Grégoire Saucy, James Cottingham, and Sébastien Baud—drivers well-versed in endurance racing and ready to uphold the historic mantle. Meanwhile, the #95 car will be driven by Darren Leung, Marino Sato, and Sean Gelael, a team that combines speed and consistency, aiming to maximize McLaren’s presence and points haul.
Both cars will not only target class victories at the 24-hour marathon but also seek to cement McLaren’s position in the broader FIA World Endurance Championship. Success at Le Mans will be critical in bolstering their contention for the 2025 LM GT3 World Endurance Championship title, a goal that reflects McLaren’s ambition to dominate in GT3 competition.
Beyond the immediate campaign, McLaren’s engagement with endurance racing is entering an exciting new phase. The brand recently announced plans to compete in the Hypercar class from 2027, underscoring its commitment to pushing technological and performance boundaries at the highest levels of motorsport. This move promises to enhance McLaren’s endurance racing portfolio, linking the heritage of past triumphs with future innovation and excellence.
As the countdown to the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans continues, all eyes will be on United Autosports’ McLaren GT3 EVOs. With a blend of historic significance, proven speed, and strategic intent, McLaren is poised to once again challenge for glory on the grandest stage of endurance racing, continuing a legacy that began with a spectacular victory nearly 30 years ago.
