McLaren Signs Laurens Vanthoor for 2027 WEC Hypercar on Porsche Loan
The Porsche-contracted Belgian makes the switch to pursue an outright Le Mans victory with McLaren.
Overview
- McLaren confirmed the move Friday, naming Vanthoor as its second MCL-HY driver alongside Mikkel Jensen.
- Porsche has approved Vanthoor’s participation in McLaren’s 2026 development and testing of the MCL-HY Hypercar.
- Vanthoor remains under Porsche contract through 2027 and will scale back to IMSA’s Michelin Endurance Cup as a third driver for Porsche Penske Motorsport.
- McLaren’s factory Hypercar effort pairs McLaren Racing with United Autosports and uses a Dallara-based MCL-HY chassis for a planned two-car program.
- Vanthoor says the loan reflects his focus on an overall Le Mans win after Porsche reduced its WEC presence, and the arrangement could set up a full-time shift once his Porsche deal ends.