McLaren Signs Mikkel Jensen as First Driver for 2027 WEC Hypercar Entry

McLaren has officially announced Danish racer Mikkel Jensen as the first driver for its 2027 World Endurance Championship hypercar program. This announcement coincides with the news that the team's yet-to-be-revealed 2027 hypercar was sold at auction for a staggering $7.6 million, highlighting the commercial and competitive momentum building at Woking.

Why it matters:

This move marks a significant step in McLaren's strategic expansion beyond Formula 1 and IndyCar. By entering the WEC's top tier, the Woking outfit aims to reclaim its legacy at Le Mans—last won in 1995—and challenge factory rivals like Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Alpine. It solidifies their pursuit of motorsport's Triple Crown, competing at the highest level across F1, IndyCar, and endurance racing simultaneously starting in 2027.

The details:

• Driver Profile: Jensen, 31, brings extensive experience from the Hypercar class with Peugeot since 2022 and an IMSA LMP2 championship win in 2021. Team Principal James Barclay highlighted Jensen as a "true racer" and a perfect fit for the team's winning culture.
• Auction Success: The hypercar sale was part of a special "Triple Crown" auction. The unreleased 2027 WEC machine fetched $7,598,750, while a 2026-spec IndyCar sold for $848,750.
• Record F1 Sale: The auction also featured the 2026-spec F1 car, which sold for $11.48 million, making it the sixth-most expensive Formula 1 car ever sold at auction.
• Winner's Perks: The hypercar buyer will receive the car in Q1 2028, their name inscribed on the chassis, and exclusive hospitality packages for the 2026 Le Mans 24 Hours, Monaco GP, and Indianapolis 500.

What's next:

McLaren is currently building its endurance racing division ahead of the 2027 season debut. With the first driver secured and significant funding generated from the record-breaking auction, the team is focused on developing a competitive package to challenge the established manufacturers in what is expected to be a fiercely competitive grid.