McLaren Racing is actively moving forward with plans to enter international prototype racing, with Dallara signed to construct LMDh-specification cars for competition in both IMSA's GTP class and WEC's Hypercar category.

The British manufacturer is currently finalizing an engine supplier partnership for its hybrid GTP/Hypercar entries. While McLaren's road car division has historically worked with various engine suppliers like Mercedes-AMG and Ricardo, the racing program seeks a collaborative manufacturer partnership similar to BMW's role with the McLaren F1 GTRs in the 1990s.

United Autosports, co-owned by McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown and Richard Dean, is expected to serve as the official team operating the program. The outfit currently competes successfully in LMP2 classes across IMSA, European Le Mans Series, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The program's timeline follows a staggered approach:

• Testing to begin in 2026
• WEC debut in 2027
• IMSA GTP entry expected in 2028 or 2029

McLaren's entry will join an expanding field of manufacturers in top-level prototype racing:

• Current IMSA GTP participants: Acura, BMW, Cadillac, Lamborghini, and Porsche
• Upcoming additions: Aston Martin (March 2025), Hyundai (2026/2027), and Ford
• WEC Hypercar participants: Alpine, BMW, Cadillac, and Porsche

This growth in manufacturer participation may require IMSA to restructure its four-tier class system to accommodate the unprecedented level of factory involvement in prototype racing.

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