United Autosports joins papaya party with statement look for milestone McLaren campaign
This summer marks 30 years since McLaren won the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, and in recognition of that landmark, its partner United Autosports has created a dynamic new look for the pair of 720S LMGT3 Evos that will contest FIA WEC in 2025.
The #59 and #95 entries will align with the distinctive papaya identity of McLaren Racing’s Formula 1, IndyCar and Formula E programmes, while emphasising the unique aerodynamic design of the McLaren 720S LMGT3 Evo.
“It’s a very special year to be racing with McLaren in FIA WEC,” acknowledged Richard Dean, United Autosports CEO, “and our 2025 livery celebrates that. This season is about building upon strong foundations, winning races and going for the championship title, and we are doing that in a car that is proudly, unmistakeably McLaren.”
The #59 – which shares the same race number as the Le Mans-winning McLaren F1 GTR from 1995 – will be piloted by incumbent United Autosports duo James Cottingham and Grégoire Saucy, alongside new-signing Sébastien Baud. Cottingham and Saucy tallied a trio of top four results together last year, while Baud reached the LMGT3 rostrum with TF Sport in Bahrain in November.
In the sister #95 McLaren – numbered in honour of the British brand’s famous Le Mans success – FIA WEC race-winners Darren Leung and Sean Gelael will be making their debut with United Autosports, joining the team’s returning driver and podium-finisher, Marino Sato.
“Now that we have proven the McLaren 720S LMGT3 Evo’s speed and endurance at the highest level of competition, we enter the new season confident of competing for the FIA WEC title with our racing partner, United Autosports,” asserted Michael Leiters, McLaren Automotive CEO.
“Racing is in the DNA of all our supercars, and FIA WEC – with the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans at its heart – is the ideal competitive environment for them, so we are excited for what we can deliver together on the track this year.”
The eight-round 2025 FIA WEC campaign will get underway with the curtain-raising Qatar 1812km on 28 February, preceded by the traditional ‘Prologue’ group test at the same circuit on 21-22 February.
