- McLaren reveals its MCL-HY Hypercar for 2027 Le Mans return.
- Toto Wolff slams Mercedes’ starts despite Antonelli’s Miami victory.
- Jonas Folger confirmed to replace Maverick Vinales for French GP.
While the dust settles on Miami, today’s breaking motorsport news is dominated by a major manufacturer comeback and growing pains for the current F1 championship leaders.
WEC: McLaren reveal the ‘MCL-HY’ for 2027 Le Mans return
The biggest story this morning was the official unveiling of the McLaren MCL-HY. After months of speculation, McLaren have revealed the car that will mark its return to the top flight of endurance racing.
- The plan: Built to LMDh regulations, the MCL-HY features a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 paired with a spec hybrid system. It is McLaren’s first factory attempt at the 24 Hours of Le Mans since its 1995 victory.
- Triple crown pursuit: CEO Zak Brown confirmed today that McLaren is now well-positioned to challenge for the Triple Crown (Monaco GP, Indy 500, and Le Mans).
- Customer programme: Alongside the race car, McLaren also revealed the MCL-HY GTR, a non-hybrid, track-only version for VIP clients through what they have called ‘Project: Endurance.’
Formula 1: Wolff demands ‘start’ overhaul despite Antonelli’s win
Despite Kimi Antonelli securing his third straight victory in Miami on Sunday, Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff is still not in celebratory mood.
Wolff has called for an investigation into the W17’s recurring launch issues. Despite the win, data showed that both Mercedes drivers lost significant ground off the line in both the Sprint race and the Grand Prix.
“It is not acceptable,” Wolff told Motorsport.com. “Kimi is driving flawlessly, but we are putting him under immense pressure by failing at the most basic part of the race. We cannot rely on miracles in the middle stint.”
MotoGP: Jonas Folger to sub for Vinales at Le Mans
In breaking MotoGP news, Red Bull KTM Tech3 have confirmed that Jonas Folger will stand in for the injured Maverick Viñales at next weekend’s French Grand Prix.
- Big decision: While the legendary Dani Pedrosa was rumoured for the seat, the team has opted for the experienced German. Vinales is currently recovering from left shoulder surgery, and the Le Mans round has come a few days too early for his return.
- The standings: Folger joins a grid currently led by Marco Bezzecchi, who holds an 11-point lead over Jorge Martin as they head to France.
Today’s other breaking motorsport snippets
- Formula E: The sport is abuzz from the news that Mitch Evans and Jaguar TCS Racing will part company at the end of the 2025/26 season. After a successful decade-long partnership, Evans is reportedly headed for a new challenge with the new Opel project.
- NASCAR: Following a dramatic weekend at Kansas, post-race technical inspections have now been completed with no infringements found.
- Tributes: The motorsport community continues to share tributes for Alex Zanardi, who passed away on May 1. Major figures, including Zak Brown and Stefano Domenicali, have hailed him as a “true inspiration.”
