British racer James Kell’s recent appointment as a McLaren GT3 Junior Driver for 2026 is a milestone moment in a relationship with the Woking marque that stretches back to the very start of his GT career.
Kell first linked up with McLaren machinery in 2021 and has represented the brand every season since, progressing from GT4 into GT3 competition and building a CV that includes class wins at some of Europe’s biggest endurance events. His selection for the prestigious junior programme formalises that trajectory — and, for the 28-year-old, carries a significance that goes beyond results alone.
“I’ve always been a fan of the brand since a young age, to be associated with the factory and have their backing for 2026 is a dream come true!” He says.
The past two seasons have underlined why McLaren has opted to invest further in Kell’s development. Much of his focus has been on GT World Challenge Europe, complemented by a parallel campaign in International GT Open. In 2024, Kell claimed a Silver Cup win at the Spa 24 Hours and followed that up with an overall victory at Monza in International GT Open alongside fellow McLaren driver Dean McDonald.
That partnership carried over into 2025, yielding further wins at Portimão and the Red Bull Ring, while Kell also contested the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Gold Cup with CSA Racing.
A season featuring podium finishes at Paul Ricard, the Spa 24 Hours and the Nürburgring, including a class win at Paul Ricard, ultimately ended with third place in the Gold Cup standings, his title hopes undone by a DNF at Monza.
Central to his progress has been continuity with McLaren across a variety of teams and championships, something Kell believes has accelerated his development as a GT driver. And looking back at 2025, Kell sees clear momentum rather than a missed opportunity.
“My aim is to now build on the highlights of the past two years,” he adds.
“I have successfully raced a McLaren every year in some form since 2021 with a variety of teams, including RJN, Race Lab, Greystone and more recently CSA.”
Among the standout moments of Kell’s career to date is his first overall GT3 victory, achieved with Greystone in the Monza 500 — a race remembered not just for the result, but for a decisive strategic call made from the cockpit.
That win hinged on a bold tyre choice in changeable conditions.
“I’d suggested to the team to go for ‘wets’ instead of ‘slicks’ that most of our rivals were using at the start of the race. I went from P8 to P1 in three corners and built up a 36 second lead.”
Endurance racing has also played a defining role in Kell’s rise, with Spa remaining a particular highlight.
“Third place in the Spa 24 Hours last year was nice as was a class win and sixth overall at Paul Ricard, considering it was the first year CSA had run the McLaren.”
With his place in the McLaren GT3 Junior Driver Programme now confirmed, Kell is expected to announce his full 2026 racing programme in the coming weeks.
“The aim, as always, is to win as much as possible and have consistently strong results as that usually leads to championship successes,” he explains. “I’ve always looked at championships on a race-by-race basis, then see where we stand come the final round of the season. At this stage, I can’t comment on my 2026 plans, but I’m sure they will be announced in due course. I’m excited to get the season underway, testing can’t come fast enough!”
Factory backing brings new expectations and opportunities as he looks to take the next step in his GT career.
Images courtesy of McLaren & SRO
