by Finest Residences 
Le Mans 2024: the iconic 720S GT3 Evo brought McLaren back to the Circuit de la Sarthe, rekindling the legacy of past Le Mans triumphs. With a commanding race pace and a historic pole position, McLaren once again demonstrated its prowess on the world stage.
The world’s most renowned endurance race tests the limits of both car and driver. In 2024, nearly 30 years after the F1 GTR’s groundbreaking win in 1995, McLaren’s legacy at Le Mans reached new heights. Inception Racing delivered a historic performance, capturing McLaren’s first-ever P1 finish in the LMGT3 class and marking a fresh milestone in our storied journey at the Circuit de la Sarthe.
Brendan Iribe, a graduate of our amateur race series, took the wheel in qualifying and made history for McLaren. For the first time ever, a McLaren secured a spot at the front of the grid at Le Mans. Reflecting on the achievement, Brendan shared, “From Pure McLaren to McLaren’s first pole at Le Mans – it’s a dream come true. The emotion is overwhelming. We made history. McLaren is back!”
The 92nd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans also marked the debut of GT3 cars. McLaren was represented by three 720S GT3 Evos: one from Inception Racing and two from United Autosports, competing against a world-class grid in this historic race.
At the start of the race, Fred Schandorff took the lead for Inception Racing’s McLaren, dominating the first hour. However, the unpredictable weather soon made conditions challenging. After an early spin and a collision that necessitated a radiator replacement, the Inception team displayed exceptional perseverance to finish 13th in their class.
Meanwhile, the United Autosports entries showcased impressive performances, steadily climbing through the field. Both McLarens consistently maintained strong pace, often finding themselves leading the class. Unfortunately, mechanical issues forced the #95 car to retire, and the #59 car was sidelined after a mid-race stop, unable to return to the pits. Despite these setbacks, their determination and competitive spirit shone throughout the grueling 24-hour race.
Michael Leiters, CEO of McLaren Automotive, expressed his pride in the team’s performance: “Seeing the United Autosports McLaren GT3 EVOs running first and second after 125 laps, in the face of everything Le Mans could throw at them – including unpredictable weather – proves we have the performance and the resilience to win.”
This strong showing at Le Mans, coupled with the success at the previous World Endurance Championship round in Spa, sets the stage for an exciting second half of the season. The next challenge awaits at the 6 Hours of São Paulo in mid-July, where both Inception Racing and United Autosports will continue to push for success.
Regardless of what unfolds in Brazil and beyond, McLaren’s 2024 Le Mans performance will be remembered as a defining moment. The historic pole position not only signifies McLaren’s return to the forefront of endurance racing but stands proudly alongside the iconic 1995 victory, reaffirming McLaren’s legendary status in motorsport.
