McLaren reveal livery ahead of WEC debut in Qatar
McLaren and racing partner United Autosports have revealed their 720S GT3 EVO car to take on the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).
Making its WEC debut in the new LM GT3 class, the car will be tested across eight races including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It will be McLaren’s first time at the iconic race since 1998 and will be hoping to repeat the success of the #59 F1 GTR, which won the 1995 race on its debut.
Last year was the 60th anniversary of McLaren and competing cars were adorned with special liveries referencing the brand being the first to complete motor racing’s Triple Crown - Monaco Grand Prix, Indy500 and Le Mans. The 2024 season will be the first time McLaren has contested all three Triple Crown races in the same season and the 720S GT3 EVO cars, numbered #59 and #95 in recognition of the Le Mans win for the #59 car in 1995, have liveries that match this season’s F1 and IndyCar designs.
The front of the car transitions from satin black to high gloss black and the McLaren Papaya, synonymous with the brand, is featured at the rear. Papaya can also be seen on the rear wing and aerodynamic dive planes on the nose of the car.
Racing for McLaren-United Autosport in the WEC for 2024 are Swiss Gregoire Saucy, Briton James Cottingham and Brazilian Nicolas Costa, who will drive the #59 car. In the #95 car will be Japan’s Marino Sato, Chilean driver Nico Pino and Briton Josh Caygill.
“We are proud to present the 720S GT3 EVO in conjunction with our Racing Partner United Autosports ahead of our WEC debut in Qatar with an exciting driver line-up. Racing is intrinsic to the McLaren brand and the WEC is the perfect arena to demonstrate the performance capabilities of our supercar engineering programmes. We are also pleased to celebrate our victory in the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans with our livery, which is a hugely important part of McLaren history.”
Michael Leiters, CEO, McLaren Automotive
“This is a proud moment, unveiling the new look of McLaren on its return to Le Mans and the WEC. The design has racing heritage at its core, harking back to the 1995 Le Mans winner, while being - unmistakeably - part of the current McLaren family. It’s an exciting addition to the 2024 McLaren line-up, complimenting the Formula 1, IndyCar and Formula E designs; they look like winning cars, and we have big ambitions.”
Richard Dean, CEO, United Autosports
The 2024 WEC season begins in Qatar on March 2nd.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: McLaren Automotive