McLaren LMDh prototype to debut in May shakedown ahead of 2027 WEC campaign
McLaren's Dallara-based LMDh prototype is set for its first on-track running in May, opening a roughly two-year development window before the British manufacturer's Hypercar debut in 2027.
By Paddock Passion News Desk1 min read
The news
McLaren is preparing to run its LMDh prototype for the first time in May, bringing the British manufacturer's World Endurance Championship programme to a concrete milestone after months of design and build work. The timing is consistent with the spring/summer testing window McLaren had previously identified as its target for beginning on-track development.
The car and programme
The prototype is built around a Dallara chassis and is a hybrid-powered LMDh machine. McLaren is targeting the WEC Hypercar class, with its competitive debut scheduled for the 2027 season. The May shakedown will be the first opportunity to put the assembled hardware through its paces and begin validating the engineering work completed during the build phase.
Why it matters
The May shakedown represents McLaren's first on-track running with the car ahead of its 2027 competitive debut.
BMW, meanwhile, has already revealed an updated iteration of its LMDh for the 2026 WEC and IMSA seasons — the second revision to a car that has already won races.
What to watch next
The immediate marker is straightforward: confirmation that the May shakedown takes place as planned.