McLaren Racing has announced that Swiss driver Grégoire Saucy has joined the prestigious McLaren Driver Development Programme, strengthening the team’s long-term talent pipeline across Formula 1, IndyCar and endurance racing.

The 26-year-old from Jura, Switzerland becomes the latest addition to McLaren’s structured pathway designed to nurture rising stars and guide them toward top-tier international competition.

From Karting Prodigy to Single-Seater Success

Saucy began karting at just three years old in Develier before progressing into single-seaters. He tested in Formula Renault 2.0 in 2015 and later competed as a guest driver in the Italian F4 Championship with Jenzer Motorsport in 2017 and 2018.

In 2019, he raced full-time in ADAC Formula 4 with R-ace GP, securing podium finishes at Zandvoort and Sachsenring, while continuing appearances in Italian F4.

His career momentum continued in 2020 with dual campaigns in the Eurocup Formula Renault Championship with ART Grand Prix and the Toyota Racing Series. A year later, Saucy claimed the Formula Regional Championship title, marking a major breakthrough.

He stepped up to the FIA Formula 3 Championship with ART Grand Prix for the 2022 and 2023 seasons, further establishing his credentials on the global stage.

Transition to Endurance Racing and Daytona Success

In 2024, Saucy switched focus to endurance racing, joining United Autosports in the FIA World Endurance Championship LMGT3 category.

During the 2025/26 Asian Le Mans Series season, he partnered with Mikkel Jensen, who is set to become McLaren Endurance Racing’s first confirmed driver for the 2027 WEC campaign.

Earlier this year, Saucy delivered a standout performance at the iconic 24 Hours of Daytona, finishing fourth in the highly competitive LMP2 class.

2026 Plans: ELMS LMP2 and IMSA Campaign

Looking ahead to 2026, Saucy will compete in the ELMS LMP2 series and selected IMSA rounds with United Autosports. He will also take part in testing duties across McLaren Racing’s portfolio, integrating into the organisation’s broader endurance and single-seater programmes.

The McLaren Driver Development Programme is overseen by Chief Business Affairs Officer Alessandro Alunni Bravi and aims to prepare drivers for progression into Formula 1, IndyCar and McLaren’s forthcoming World Endurance Championship Hypercar entry.

Current members of the programme include Christian Costoya, Matteo De Palo, Leonardo Fornaroli, Ella Häkkinen, Ella Lloyd, Pato O’Ward, Ella Stevens, Dries Van Langendonck and Richard Verschoor.

McLaren Leadership and Saucy React

Alunni Bravi welcomed Saucy to the programme, stating:

“McLaren Racing are delighted to welcome Grégoire Saucy to the McLaren Driver Development Programme. Grégoire has impressed in multiple racing categories, providing an excellent foundation for his development in our pathways. We look forward to seeing Grégoire’s progress this year across his racing and testing in endurance categories.”

Saucy added:

“I’m really excited to be joining the McLaren Driver Development Programme. The programme offers really important support and a wide range of opportunities as I continue my development across all aspects of being a driver. It’s a great environment to be in, and I’m looking forward to working with the incredible team at McLaren. Thank you to Zak and Alessandro for this opportunity.”