In a dazzling display of color and ambition, McLaren Automotive, in partnership with United Autosports, peeled back the covers on their 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) contenders. The two 720S GT3 EVO cars, adorned with race numbers 59 and 95, are not just vehicles; they’re vibrant tributes to McLaren’s triumphant past and bold ventures into the future of racing.
Set to make their debut in the WEC’s 2024 season, these machines mark McLaren’s first foray into the championship since 1998, reintroducing the storied marque to the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a nostalgic nod. The chosen race numbers reflect a glorious chapter from 1995, when McLaren clinched victory at Le Mans with the #59 F1 GTR, a feat they’re eager to echo in the modern era.
This year, McLaren is not just racing; it’s making history by competing in all three of motor racing’s prestigious Triple Crown events in a single season, a testament to the brand’s racing DNA. The livery of the 720S GT3 EVOs is a canvas of heritage and innovation, blending the iconic McLaren Papaya with sleek blacks in a design that resonates with their Formula 1 and IndyCar cousins.
Positioned at the forefront of this ambitious campaign are six drivers, a blend of emerging talent and seasoned prowess, ready to pilot these papaya-liveried beasts across a globe-trotting calendar. The starting grid in Qatar this March is just the beginning, with the team set to tackle iconic tracks from Imola to Le Mans, and beyond.
Michael Leiters, CEO of McLaren Automotive, and Richard Dean, CEO of United Autosports, shared their enthusiasm and vision for this partnership, emphasizing the fusion of McLaren’s racing heritage with cutting-edge engineering. As the 2024 WEC season approaches, the motorsport world watches eagerly, anticipating the return of McLaren’s “Papaya Power” to endurance racing’s grandest stages.
