McLaren plans to make a bold entry into the 24 Hours of Le Mans next year with its Dallara-based LMDh car, joining General Motors as one of the brands competing across the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Indianapolis 500, and Formula 1. Zak Brown, McLaren’s CEO, envisions these three motorsport programs converging at the 24 Hours of Daytona, potentially featuring one of the most high-profile “Star Cars” seen in decades.
IndyCar and F1 Drivers Could Teamed Up in GTP-Class at Daytona
In an interview with Road & Track, Brown revealed discussions about involving McLaren’s IndyCar and Formula 1 drivers in an additional GTP-class car for the iconic 24-hour race. He named Arrow McLaren IndyCar drivers Pato O’Ward and Christian Lundgaard as candidates he has approached to drive the new LMDh prototype. Nolan Siegel, another IndyCar acquisition, was also considered, but was unavailable due to competing in other sports car events overseas during the projected 2026 launch season.
You get into 24 Hours of Daytona, where you need extra drivers and you can run extra cars, that’s something that McLaren does very well. It’s a lot of fun—we have fun with our racing. Could we see at Daytona one year, our IndyCar drivers, our F1 drivers come together, that type of thing? Absolutely.
?Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing
Challenges Ahead for Expanding McLaren’s IMSA Presence
Despite Brown’s enthusiasm, several obstacles remain before this vision can materialize. McLaren has yet to finalize its commitment to an IMSA series campaign with the new LMDh car, although Brown expressed strong interest in expanding the program at Daytona recently. Another complicating factor is the demanding Formula 1 off-season calendar, which some drivers, including Max Verstappen, have noted when discussing their intentions to participate in endurance races like Daytona.
Pato O’Ward’s Ambition and Commitment to Indy 500 Victory First
Pato O’Ward confirmed to Road & Track that Brown has been quite vocal about wanting him to test the prototype, and the Mexican IndyCar driver is eager to do so. O’Ward sees Daytona as a realistic target for racing the LMDh car, possibly as soon as 2028, assuming McLaren proceeds with its IMSA engagement. However, O’Ward has made it clear that he intends to win the Indianapolis 500 before adding the classic Le Mans endurance race to his schedule.
It is on my mind, but I told Zak, I have no intention of doing Le Mans until I have one Indy 500 win under my belt.
?Pato O’Ward, Arrow McLaren IndyCar driver
Interest From McLaren’s F1 Drivers to Join Endurance Challenges
McLaren’s Formula 1 drivers have also expressed interest in participating in Le Mans, which would align with Brown’s vision of bridging the team’s efforts across premier racing formats. Such cross-discipline collaborations represent a strategic opportunity to enhance McLaren’s presence and profile in global motorsport.
Significance and Outlook for McLaren’s Racing Ambitions
McLaren’s plans to compete simultaneously at Le Mans, the Indianapolis 500, and in Formula 1 underlines a rare, ambitious approach in modern motorsport. The potential of fielding a mixed roster of F1 and IndyCar drivers in endurance racing could raise the team’s prestige and increase fan excitement worldwide. However, realizing this vision depends heavily on McLaren’s commitment to expanding its IMSA program and aligning driver availability amid packed racing calendars. The coming years will test McLaren’s ability to transform these aspirations into racing milestones.
