McLaren Automotive and its racing partner United Autosports kick off their second FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season with a refreshed livery and an updated driver roster for the two 720S GT3 EVO cars. After a competitive debut season, the partnership aims to build on its success while marking the 30th anniversary of McLaren’s iconic victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
In 2024, McLaren made its WEC debut with the new LM GT3 class. The 720S GT3 EVO cars showcased impressive pace, achieving the first LM GT3 front-row lockout at Bahrain, securing a podium finish in Brazil, and finishing in the top ten of the championship standings. McLaren also returned to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in cars numbered 59 and 95, honoring their 1995 F1 GTR victory.
For 2025, McLaren-United Autosports has updated the car’s livery to incorporate more of McLaren’s signature Papaya color. This new design highlights the car’s aerodynamic features, with Papaya accents on the hood, splitter, rear wing, door blade, and lower bodywork.
The driver line-up for 2025 includes James Cottingham and Gregoire Saucy, who finished ninth overall last season in the #59 car, joined by French driver Sébastien Baud for his second WEC season. The #95 car, which claimed a podium in Brazil, sees Japanese driver Marino Sato joined by Darren Leung and Sean Gelael. Leung is a WEC race winner and former GT World Challenge Champion, while Gelael enters his fifth WEC season with four wins under his belt.
The 2025 WEC season begins on February 28, 2025 in Qatar, followed by eight rounds, including Imola, Spa-Francorchamps, and Le Mans, with the final race in Bahrain in November.
Richard Dean, CEO of United Autosports, shared, “This season is about building on strong foundations, winning races, and going for the championship title in a car that is proudly McLaren.” Michael Leiters, CEO of McLaren Automotive, added, “We enter the new season confident of competing for the WEC title, with the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans at the heart of our ambitions.”