In a significant shake-up ahead of the 2025 World Endurance Championship (WEC) season, prominent race winners Sean Gelael and Darren Leung are making the switch from BMW to McLaren. Both drivers, who previously secured victory at the Imola WEC round aboard the WRT BMW M4 GT3, are set to pilot the McLaren 720S GT3 Evo under the United Autosports banner. As they gear up for this new chapter, the combination of their unique skill sets and experience promises to deliver exciting racing prospects.
For this season, Gelael and Leung will hold the silver and bronze-rated positions respectively alongside gold-rated driver Marino Sato. Sato’s return, confirmed in the initial draft of the 2025 WEC entry list, adds depth and competitiveness to the #95 United McLaren team. The lineup emphasizes a blend of talent from different backgrounds, where Gelael, a former Formula 2 driver, and Leung, a rising star in his fifth season of racing, are poised to create a formidable partnership.
Gelael, who has recently concluded his tenure with WRT after three years, is enthusiastic about the change of scenery. His previous experience in LMP2 before the class’s removal from the full WEC schedule has equipped him with valuable racing insights. “I am super-excited to be in a car with United Autosports after being long-term rivals…,” he remarked, indicating his eagerness to mesh with his new teammates and create further memories on the track.
Darren Leung, hailing from the UK and also known for winning the 2023 British GT Championship title, expressed a sense of honor in joining a team with strong Yorkshire roots. He described the commitment from United Autosports and McLaren as “truly inspiring,” highlighting his motivation to excel at legendary racing circuits around the globe. The support from a familiar team environment emphasizes his pride and desire to deliver on an international stage.
Having tested the McLaren at the recent WEC rookie test in Bahrain, Leung is clearly enthusiastic about the challenge ahead. His burgeoning career trajectory suggests he’ll be a vital asset for United Autosports, and both he and Gelael share aspirations of clinching the championship title—a goal that remains tantalizingly close after previous near-misses.
As the anticipation builds for the upcoming WEC season, United Autosports has yet to finalize the lineup for their sister car, the #59, featuring Gregoire Saucy, who is confirmed to continue with the team. The decision underscores the organization’s strategy of balancing experience and youthful energy, which is critical for competing in a realm as competitive as the WEC.
With Gelael and Leung at the helm of the McLaren 720S GT3 Evo, United Autosports looks set for a thrilling campaign in 2025. Their shared ambition, coupled with the support of a well-established team, creates a budding narrative that enthusiasts of endurance racing will undoubtedly follow as the season unfolds.
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