24h Le Mans
In 1995, McLaren surprised everyone by winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the iconic F1 GTR. Thirty years later, the British manufacturer’s hopes lie with United Autosports and the McLaren 720S LMGT3 Evo. After a steep learning curve throughout the 2024 campaign, can McLaren challenge for victory in LMGT3 in 2025?
McLaren’s LMGT3 entry in the FIA WEC and the 24 Hours of Le Mans could mark a watershed in the 2025 season. To pay tribute to the 30th anniversary of the make’s overall victory in the French endurance classic, United Autosports will run two McLaren 720S LMGT3 Evos. “It is a very special year to be racing with McLaren in the WEC,” says United Autosports CEO Richard Dean. “This season is about building on strong foundations, winning races and going for the championship title, and we are doing that in a car that is proudly, unmistakeably McLaren.”
Despite McLaren’s lofty ambitions, the manufacturer’s return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans last year proved to be somewhat tricky. Both United Autosports 720S LMGT3 Evos were forced to retire, reflecting the challenging nature of a début WEC season. The Anglo-American outfit wrapped up a disappointing campaign in 9th and 14th positions in the FIA Endurance Trophy for LMGT3 Teams standings.
United Autosports has revised its approach for 2025 and hired new drivers. The #59 McLaren will be driven by James Cottingham and Grégoire Saucy. The pair were already onboard in 2024 but will this time be partnered by Sébastien Baud, who clinched the LMGT3 pole at the 8 Hours of Bahrain with TF Sport. Car #95 will be shared by Darren Leung, Sean Gelael and Marino Sato.
The McLaren 720S LMGT3 Evo has already shown its potential in several GT championships. Its aerodynamics and twin-turbo V8 engine make it a fearsome competitor over long distances. “Now that we have proven the McLaren GT3 EVO’s speed and endurance at the highest level of competition,” says McLaren Automotive CEO Michael Leiters, “we enter the new season confident of competing for the WEC title with our racing partner United Autosports. Racing is in the DNA of all our supercars and the WEC, with the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans at its heart, is the ideal competitive environment for them, so we are excited for what we can together deliver on the track this year.”
The competition in LMGT3 will be tough with Aston Martin, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Lexus, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche all looking to play a leading role. However, McLaren will expect the lessons of the 2024 season to pay dividends and, with a reinforced squad, will hope to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its Le Mans triumph in style next June.
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of McLaren’s Le Mans triumph, the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is currently hosting an exhibition entitled “A Name for Eternity”. Among the models and artefacts on display, visitors can admire the McLaren F1 GTR that won the 1995 race. A unique opportunity to relive this legendary feat.
