Rahal Letterman Lanigan Adopts McLaren GTD PRO Program for IMSA
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) has officially announced a new partnership with McLaren for the 2026 IMSA GTD PRO season, replacing its previous BMW GTP program. This transition comes after BMW’s decision to retain WRT for its IMSA interests, prompting RLL to seek a new manufacturer.
Ricardo Nault, RLL’s Vice President of IMSA Operations, characterized the change as a shift from one premium brand to another. “We went from one marquee brand to another,” he stated, emphasizing that despite some may view this move as a step down, the GTD PRO class boasts a robust competitive field.
GTD PRO competitors believe this class to be among the most fiercely contested in global motorsport, a sentiment not entirely unfounded as Nault acknowledged the caliber of teams and drivers in the series. “There are real teams that we are competing against with great drivers – it’s going to be a real challenge,” he said, expressing the severe hurdles the team faces as it adapts to new machinery under pressing timelines.
RLL’s decision to partner with McLaren aligns with their historical expertise in GT racing, having previously operated BMW GT3 cars just last year. As the team revitalizes its resources and infrastructure—having lost significant equipment during its departure from BMW—there is optimism regarding the performance of the McLaren 720S GT3 Evo.
The McLaren team plans to contribute technical support, particularly in software and electronic systems, while RLL will lead on setup and race execution. “This will give us a chance to get back to proper racing and being in charge,” Nault noted, reflecting the newfound autonomy that RLL anticipates in its operations.
Despite facing a tight schedule, having only recently secured the new car shortly before the recent Daytona test, Nault admitted that RLL has yet to complete comprehensive testing. “We haven’t learned nearly enough!” he stressed, recognizing the competitive gap they need to close against more established teams.
The driver lineup features promising talent, including Juri Vips and Max Esterson, with a fourth driver yet to be confirmed. While names like Mick Schumacher, Graham Rahal, and Louis Foster have emerged as possibilities, Nault confirmed that they are exploring options to maximize both current performance and future prospects.
Ultimately, RLL is prepared to face the fierce competition of the GTD PRO series, building on a seasoned past in GT racing while navigating new challenges ahead.
