Nyck de Vries refused to confirm whether he has held discussions with McLaren about a Hypercar seat as the British team prepares its World Endurance Championship assault next year. The Toyota driver's coy response has stoked speculation about the driver market in motorsport's premier endurance class, with his evasive answer suggesting that something could be in play. De Vries currently competes for Toyota in the WEC Hypercar category, where he has established himself as a competitive and consistent performer.
He also races for Mahindra in Formula E, one of motorsport's most prestigious single-seater categories. In addition to his dual racing commitments, de Vries holds a test and development role, maintaining a portfolio that spans multiple top-tier series. McLaren's confirmed entry into the WEC Hypercar class represents a significant expansion for the storied British team.
Best known for its dominance in Formula 1 and its competitive history in IndyCar, McLaren is now mounting a serious challenge in endurance racing's flagship division. The team's commitment of resources and expertise to the Hypercar program signals serious intent, and with the program set to launch next year, driver recruitment has presumably moved into high gear. When asked directly about potential talks with McLaren, de Vries was cagey.
" Despite dodging the question, de Vries acknowledged that McLaren's move into the Hypercar class is "fantastic" for the sport. This combination—measured enthusiasm for McLaren's entry paired with his refusal to engage on personal discussions—has left the door conspicuously open. In the context of driver market speculation, such non-answers are rarely innocent.
The timing of de Vries' evasive response is significant. With McLaren's Hypercar program set to launch next year, the team will need to finalize its driver lineup well in advance to allow for testing, development, and preparation. De Vries' current commitments to Toyota and Mahindra do not necessarily preclude a move to McLaren, though driver market mobility in the Hypercar class remains complex.
De Vries' apparent willingness to dodge the question suggests that either negotiations with McLaren are ongoing or he is at least entertaining the possibility of a change. For McLaren, sourcing a proven Hypercar driver carries substantial weight. The team has assembled significant resources for its WEC program, and securing established talent like de Vries would represent a major recruitment coup.
De Vries brings demonstrated competitiveness at the top of endurance racing, with race wins and podium finishes in the Hypercar category. His consistency and ability to perform under pressure across multiple championships—Formula E, WEC, and his test driver responsibilities—make him an attractive prospect for any team building a serious title challenge. The Hypercar class demands drivers who can manage complex hybrid systems, work effectively with engineering teams, and deliver in high-pressure race situations.
De Vries has proven capable across all these dimensions, making him one of the most sought-after commodities in the driver market. com: "I'll keep that to myself" - McLaren will field a Hypercar entry in the WEC starting next year, representing a major expansion - De Vries also holds a test and development driver role, maintaining commitments across multiple series - His evasive response has fueled speculation about the WEC driver market ahead of McLaren's program launch De Vries' refusal to answer directly is, in its own way, a confirmation. In motorsport, when a driver—especially one with his profile and currently stable position—deliberately avoids committing either way on negotiations, it signals that something is in motion.
The Hypercar driver market is notoriously tight, with top seats at factory teams commanding fierce competition. De Vries' coyness suggests that McLaren's entry has injected fresh energy into driver recruitment at the top level of endurance racing, and that his services are very much in demand across the grid. The broader implications extend to the competitive balance of the WEC Hypercar class itself.
McLaren's resources combined with a driver of de Vries' quality could reshape the competitive hierarchy in the category. Toyota, Porsche, and Ferrari are already operating at the highest level, and McLaren's entry will intensify the arms race in the Hypercar division. McLaren will likely unveil more details about its Hypercar program in the coming months, potentially including driver announcements.
De Vries will continue his WEC and Formula E campaigns through 2026, but the speculation around his future—fueled by his own evasive response—will persist until the market resolves. Whether or not a de Vries-McLaren pairing materializes, his coy reply has already served notice that the Hypercar driver market is heating up and that the most competitive drivers will have options as the grid expands with new entries. Expect further driver market movement as teams finalize lineups for next season. Read at Motorsport.com
Why this matters
McLaren's Hypercar entry represents a watershed moment for the team and the WEC. The investment signals McLaren's commitment to diversifying beyond Formula 1 and confirms endurance racing's status as a premier category. De Vries' coy response amplifies speculation about driver mobility in the Hypercar class—if a Toyota driver can be courted by McLaren, then the market is alive and competitive. This forces existing programs to secure their talent early, elevates the prestige of the category, and demonstrates that top drivers see genuine opportunity in WEC. The outcome of de Vries' negotiations will ripple through the Hypercar paddock and shape lineups across the grid.
Frequently asked
Why won't de Vries confirm if he's talked to McLaren?
Confirming ongoing negotiations could complicate his position at Toyota and Mahindra, potentially affecting contract negotiations or team politics. By staying silent, he preserves leverage and keeps options open. In driver market negotiations, public statements often carry significant consequence, so discretion is standard practice.
Can de Vries realistically move from Toyota to McLaren?
Yes. While Hypercar programs often involve long-term commitments, driver changes do occur when new opportunities arise. De Vries' multi-series portfolio suggests flexibility, and if McLaren offers compelling terms and a clear path to competitiveness, negotiations could advance. However, Toyota's preferences and contract terms would need to align.
What makes de Vries attractive to McLaren?
He brings proven Hypercar competitiveness, including race wins and podium finishes. His experience across Formula E and WEC demonstrates versatility and the ability to manage complex race programs. De Vries also has a strong track record in development and test work, skills critical for a new program ramping up to championship levels.
When will McLaren announce its driver lineup?
No official timeline announced. Typically, teams confirm driver lineups in the months before a season launch, allowing time for testing and integration. Given McLaren's program starts next year, announcements could come in late 2026 or early 2027. Market speculation will intensify as the calendar approaches.
