Garage 59 to Partner with McLaren Automotive for WEC LMGT3 in 2026
McLaren Automotive has appointed Garage 59 as its official LMGT3 partner for the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) beginning in 2026. This partnership replaces United Autosports, which is set to focus on the new Dallara-based LMDh prototype following the conclusion of the 2025 season.
The development follows an earlier announcement that McLaren Racing will enter the WEC’s Hypercar class in 2027 under the McLaren United AS banner. United Autosports CEO Richard Dean stated, “This is not a decision we have taken lightly… We are doing everything in our power to make it a success.” He expressed gratitude towards the WEC and welcomed Garage 59, wishing them success in the LMGT3 category.
Garage 59, named after McLaren’s 1995 Le Mans-winning F1 GTR, brings extensive experience from SRO competitions and multiple championship titles, including the 2016 Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup and the 2022 GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup Pro Am.
Nick Collins, CEO of McLaren Automotive, emphasized the competitive landscape of motorsport, stating, “It’s an exciting time for McLaren… We hope to continue our strong progress and race-winning performance with our new racing partners in 2026.”
Garage 59 Team Principal Andrew Kirkaldy affirmed the team’s commitment, stating, “Competing in the WEC… is a statement of intent.” The team will soon relocate to new facilities in Northampton, with driver line-ups for both WEC and GT World Challenge to be announced.
Meanwhile, United Autosports will maintain its presence in the Asian Le Mans Series and the European Le Mans Series in 2026, in addition to preparing for the IMSA SportsCar Championship.
Images: Peter May, Drew Gibson & Garage 59.
