In an exciting turn of events, World Endurance Championship (WEC) drivers Sean Gelael and Darren Leung have decided to swap alliances, transitioning from BMW to McLaren for the 2025 LMGT3 season. This partnership, which promises to bring fresh dynamics to the racing circuit, follows their notable victory at the Imola round in April 2024, where they piloted a WRT BMW M4 GT3 to success. As they gear up for the new season, they will take the wheel of a McLaren 720S GT3 Evo, representing the famed United Autosports team. The duo’s collaboration with the team is expected to cultivate an environment ripe for success, continuing their competitive spirit in GT racing.
In this new chapter, Gelael and Leung will occupy the silver and bronze-rated positions in the #95 United McLaren line-up, respectively, where they will be joined by gold-rated driver Marino Sato. Sato’s association with the team was solidified with the release of the preliminary WEC entry list for 2025, revealing a promising trio set to tackle the challenges of endurance racing together. Gelael, a former Formula 2 competitor seeking to rebound from a stint in LMP2, is enthusiastic about his alliance with United Autosports. He expressed keen anticipation over racing alongside Sato for the first time, while also rekindling the positive rapport established with Leung during memorable joint efforts in 2024.
For Gelael, the motivation to chase championship glory remains palpable, especially after narrowly finishing as a runner-up in previous seasons with Jota and WRT. The 28-year-old Indonesian is not only focused on individual success but is keen to leverage the collective strength of his new team to capture the coveted championship title. “I think it will be a really good experience and a strong opportunity to win,” he noted, suggesting that the synergy among the drivers may foster a robust competitive edge, making them formidable contenders for the upcoming 2025 season.
Leung, at 37, is at an intriguing juncture in his racing career. With the 2023 British GT Championship title under his belt, the British driver’s move to McLaren marks his second WEC campaign, albeit only his fifth season overall in the racing world. He describes the commitment from both McLaren and United Autosports as “truly inspiring,” underlining his eagerness to contribute to the team’s ambitions on some of the most prestigious racetracks globally. “Racing with a Yorkshire-based team makes this opportunity even more special,” said Leung, hinting at the personal significance this transition holds for him, as he aligns with a fellow Yorkshireman, Sato.
As United Autosports prepares for the launch of their campaign, anticipation builds around the anticipated performance of the #95 McLaren 720S GT3 Evo. While the identities of Gelael and Leung’s teammates in the sister #59 car are yet to be confirmed, the atmosphere within the team suggests a breed of collaboration and synergy that could yield impressive results. United’s strategic direction, coupled with Gelael and Leung’s aspirations, paints a vibrant picture for the impending WEC season—one characterized by the quest for accolades and the relentless pursuit of racing excellence. As they navigate this new journey, the sporting world watches closely, eager to witness the evolution of Gelael and Leung as they carter their skills into the McLaren sphere, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of endurance racing.