McLaren GT3 EVO Achieves Historic Podium Finish at São Paulo 6 Hours
McLaren Automotive celebrated a landmark moment in its racing history by securing its first FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) podium at the 6 Hours of São Paulo. The #95 McLaren GT3 EVO, expertly driven by the team at United Autosports, clinched third place at the iconic Interlagos circuit. Meanwhile, the #59 car’s impressive fourth-place finish contributed to a remarkable 27-point haul for the team.
The weekend at Interlagos was notable not just for the return of this storied track to the WEC calendar, but also for the performance of the McLaren GT3 EVO cars. Piloted by James Cottingham, Grégoire Saucy, and Brazilian driver Nicolas Costa, the #59 car set the pace in the opening practice session, showcasing the car’s adaptability to the challenging São Paulo circuit.
Qualifying saw both McLaren GT3 EVOs excel, with the #59 and #95 cars securing spots in the Hyperpole session. Bronze drivers Josh Caygill and Cottingham demonstrated their skill by locking out the second row, placing third and fourth respectively.
The six-hour race commenced with a thrilling battle between the two McLaren cars. Cottingham initially edged ahead of Caygill, but the latter soon regained his position and began closing the gap to the leaders. The abrasive Interlagos surface tested tire durability, yet the lightweight carbon fiber chassis of the McLaren GT3 EVOs allowed for effective tire management, keeping both cars competitive within the top eight.
Throughout the race, consistent pace and strategic pit stops were crucial. Nico Pino and Grégoire Saucy handled the middle stints admirably, maintaining strong positions. In the final hours, Marino Sato and Nicolas Costa took the reins, with Sato securing a solid third place and Costa fiercely defending his position to finish fourth.
As the drivers celebrated on the podium, the achievement marked a significant milestone for McLaren Automotive and United Autosports. The points gained elevated the #59 car to 10th and the #95 car to 11th in the standings, setting a positive trajectory as the championship moves to the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas for the Lone Star Le Mans on September 1.
Richard Dean, CEO of United Autosports, expressed his pride: “This podium finish for the #95 car, our first with McLaren Automotive, is a truly special moment. Our team’s dedication and hard work over the past eight months have paid off. The drivers delivered outstanding performances on the track, showcasing stellar racing and tough defense. This result is well-deserved, and we are excited to build on this momentum in the upcoming rounds.”
Mick McDonagh, Director of MSO and Motorsport at McLaren Automotive, echoed the sentiment: “The progress we’ve made this season with United Autosports has been remarkable. Achieving a podium finish was a matter of time, and I’m thrilled it happened in Brazil. Congratulations to Josh, Marino, and Nico on their first podium, and to the entire United Autosports team for their fantastic effort. This success is a testament to our collective dedication and hard work.”
With their sights set on the next race, the McLaren GT3 EVO team is poised to continue their pursuit of excellence in the WEC, driven by their historic achievement in São Paulo.
