Grégoire Saucy, the new addition to the McLaren Hypercar programme

In brief

 

• Grégoire Saucy (26) has a full-time seat with McLaren Hypercar for the 2027 WEC
• He has taken part in most of the MCL-HY tests and drove it at Goodwood with Lando Norris
• He won the 2026 European Le Mans Series with United Autosports: two victories and five podium places in six rounds
• McLaren Racing will be fielding a Hypercar at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in the FIA World Endurance Championship from 2027.

 

Some positions don’t get advertised, they are earned lap after lap, and not necessarily in the limelight. Twenty-six-year-old Grégoire Saucy has proved himself worthy of his seat. The Swiss driver, fresh from his 2026 European Le Mans Series win, is officially a McLaren Hypercar driver for the 2027 FIA World Endurance Championship. He joins Mikkel Jensen, Alex Lynn, and Leonardo Fornaroli on McLaren’s route to the summit of endurance racing. At the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans next June (9–13), he will therefore be part of the crew in the cockpit of the McLaren MCL-HY, whose name is a nod to the iconic Formula One GTR that won the race in 1995.

Who is Grégoire Saucy, the new addition to the McLaren Hypercar programme?

Grégoire Saucy was born in Switzerland 26 years ago. He began by making a name for himself in single-seater racing, winning eight rounds of the Formula Regional European Championship. Then came endurance racing, where he wasted no time. In 2024 and 2025, he took part in the FIA World Endurance Championship in LMGT3 at the wheel of a McLaren 720S GT3 Evo, and understandably caught the manufacturer’s eye. He joined the British make’s development programme early in 2026.

At McLaren, they sum up Saucy in three words: speed, adaptability and determination. A 24-hour race like Le Mans requires all three.

Well-deserved promotion

Grégoire Saucy is overjoyed: “When I joined the McLaren Hypercar Team for its development season, I hoped it might lead to a full-time race seat, but I knew there was a great deal of experienced talent in the driver market. I stayed focused, worked hard and adapted quickly to the MCL-HY.”

James Barclay, Team Principal of McLaren Hypercar Team, is satisfied: “Grégoire’s promotion is exactly what the McLaren Driver Development Programme is designed to achieve: identifying exceptional talent, supporting that development and creating a genuine pathway to a works race seat.”He adds: He has impressed us throughout the MCL-HY test programme with his pace, methodical approach within the team and his progress over the intensive testing schedule.”

The story began on 4 May, in Varano, Italy. McLaren was testing the MCL-HY for the first time. Grégoire Saucy and Mikkel Jensen were the drivers. From then on, Saucy was present at practically all the team’s tests. He also drove the Hypercar at its first public appearance at Goodwood Festival of Speed, alongside 2025 Formula One World Champion, Lando Norris.

There are no prizes for test-driving. No chequered flag. No podium. The role requires consistency and precision. And working in the wings. Discretion makes all the difference.

Ready to take on the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans 

Le Mans is not new to McLaren. The make’s F1 GTR triumphed on first attempt in 1995 and hopes are high for the MCL-HY to do the same. In 2027, the Woking-designed Hypercar will join Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Ford, Genesis, Peugeot and Toyota in the field.

Nobody comes to Le Mans just for the ride. Grégoire Saucy begins the WEC season as a champion, with a desire to progress to the next stage. There is no question of resting on his laurels. He knows the French classic does not tolerate arrogance.

FAQ: The ins and outs of the McLaren MCL-HY

The McLaren MCL-HY is McLaren Racing’s Hypercar. It will compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in the FIA World Endurance Championship from 2027.

What does MCL-HY stand for?

MCL stands for McLaren (in particular in Formula One). HY is a reference to Hypercar. Together, they spell commitment. The name is also a nod to the McLaren F1 GTR which triumphed at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans on first attempt.

What is the MCL-HY’s technical description?

The Dallara-built chassis is fitted with a twin-turbo V6 engine. The car is developed with the help of the United Autosports race team.

When did the MCL-HY first appear in public?

Its maiden outing was at Goodwood Festival of Speed, although the development programme was only in its tenth week at the time. Grégoire Saucy drove the car with Nando Norris, Formula One World Champion in 2025.

Who are the MCL-HY’s drivers?

The line-up so far is as follows: Mikkel Jensen, Laurens Vanthoor, Alex Lynn, Leonardo Fornaroli and Grégoire Saucy.

Who will the MCL-HY be up against in 2027?

In 2027, McLaren will join Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Ford, Genesis, Peugeot and Toyota in the exceptionally tough Hypercar field.
The McLaren MCL-HY will take the start of the 95th 24 Hours of Le Mans on 12 June at 4 p.m.