McLaren partner team United Autosports has revealed the final two drivers for its 2025 FIA WEC LMGT3 campaign. The team has re-signed 2023 British GT Vice-Champion James Cottingham for a second season and attracted former TF Sport WEC driver Sébastien Baud to drive its #59 McLaren LMGT3 EVO.
41-year-old Cottingham looks to build on his debut WEC campaign this season, after securing four top-5 Hyperpole results including a front-row start in Bahrain, and three fourth-place finishes (Spa, Sao Paulo and COTA) in 2024.
“I am super excited to come back with United Autosports and McLaren for another crack at the WEC,” says Cottingham. “We had a strong season last year … just unfortunately without any podiums or wins. However, we were just getting started and this year we’re going to hit the ground running.
“We’ve got a super strong line-up in both cars, and I’m very confident that United Autosports and McLaren are going to deliver some very exciting results in 2025.”
Silver-graded French driver Sébastien Baud meanwhile, is a new addition to the team after spending 2024 racing against United in a TF Sport Corvette. During the season, he won the Goodyear Wingfoot award at Imola and finished on the podium at Bahrain. He will compete in the seat filled by Nicolas Costa last season.
“I am very proud to join United Autosports,” added Baud, “a major motorsport team with a wealth of experience, and McLaren Automotive for my second year in the World Endurance Championship. With one year already discovering this fabulous championship at the highest level of motorsport, I am ready to give my all for this team and my teammates.
“I am really looking forward to this new season starting. Thank you to the United Autosports team, McLaren Automotive and all the people behind this fabulous project.”
The duo will share the #59 with Gregoire Saucy, while Darren Leung, Sean Gelael and Marino Sato are set to compete in the #95 sister car.
“It is great to have James [Cottingham] onboard for another season and to welcome Sébastien [Baud] to the team,” says Richard Dean, United Autosports CEO.
“The #59 crew came so close to the podium last year … they proved themselves as real LMGT3 contenders. In 2025, with the return of James and Gregoire, the addition of Seb and the continued hard work of the team, I have every confidence that we will see them on the podium, which is where they deserve to be.”
