McLaren Racing has appointed Gregoire Saucy as a full‑time driver of the MCL‑HY Hypercar, marking the team’s entry into the World Endurance Championship in 2027.
The Swiss driver, who launched his sportscar career in the Oreca LMP2 class with United Autosport in the European Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, joined McLaren’s driver roster a few years ago. He first earned experience behind the wheel of a 720S in LMGT3 before contributing to the development of the Dallara‑chassis LMDh.
Saucy has been driving the British brand’s hybrid prototype since its initial test at Varano de’ Melegari, initially sharing the car with Mikkel Jensen and later partnering the team’s other works drivers, including Laurens Vanthoor, Leonardo Fornaroli, and Alex Lynn.
Malthe Jakobsen is expected to be the last driver to join the lineup, after departing Peugeot following this weekend’s Monza round.
Saucy commented, “I’m thrilled to receive this opportunity. When I joined the McLaren Hypercar Team’s development season, I hoped it would lead to a full‑time seat, aware of the strong competition among experienced drivers.”
McLaren MCL-HY, Test a Imola
Photo by: McLaren
James Barclay, McLaren’s Hypercar team principal, added that Gregoire’s promotion aligns perfectly with the goals of the McLaren Driver Development Programme: spotting outstanding talent, nurturing its growth, and providing a clear route to a works race seat.
He has consistently impressed us during the MCL‑HY test programme with his speed, disciplined teamwork, and steady progress through the rigorous testing schedule.
He has earned this opportunity, and we are eager to see him advance to the next stage of his career with McLaren.
Together with Ben Hanley and Griffin Peebles, Saucy captured the 2026 European Le Mans Series championship while competing for United Autosport.
The Anglo‑American team, co‑owned by McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown, will serve as McLaren’s factory partner as it steps up to the Hypercar category.
