McLaren Confirms Le Mans as 'Definitely an Option' for Norris, Piastri

McLaren Confirms Le Mans as 'Definitely an Option' for Norris, Piastri

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has stated that Formula 1 stars Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri competing for the team in the 24 Hours of Le Mans “down the road” will “definitely be an option.” McLaren is set to enter the World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar class from 2027, replacing its current Formula E program.

Why it matters: McLaren's entry into the WEC Hypercar class marks a significant expansion for the Woking-based squad. The potential inclusion of its high-profile F1 drivers would not only inject star power and fan interest into endurance racing but also offer Norris and Piastri a new challenge in their careers.

The big picture: McLaren's move into the WEC Hypercar category, starting after the 2024-25 Formula E season, aligns with a trend of top-tier motorsport teams diversifying their presence. This strategic shift positions McLaren at the forefront of two of the most prestigious global racing series.

The details:

• Brown, speaking to ELMS TV at Silverstone, confirmed previous discussions with both Norris and Piastri regarding endurance racing, noting their keen interest.
• McLaren's WEC driver line-up strategy will focus on a blend of youth and experience, with some drivers already signed and others close to agreement.
• The team plans for a two-driver line-up per car for most WEC races. However, a third driver will be brought in specifically for longer events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 10-hour Qatar race.
• During the interview, Brown also inadvertently confirmed the return of WEC to the Silverstone circuit.

What's next: While Norris and Piastri are currently engaged in a tight battle for their maiden F1 drivers' titles, the door is open for them to eventually participate in McLaren's endurance racing efforts. This future prospect could see the F1 talents adding a new dimension to their racing portfolios and further elevating McLaren's presence in top-tier motorsport.