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In a significant strategic shift, McLaren has announced the conclusion of its Artura GT4 customer racing program. This decision allows the company to concentrate its resources on the more lucrative GT3 racing and the McLaren Trophy series. Giorgio Sanna, the newly appointed Head of Motorsport at McLaren, shared insights about this pivotal change during the 2026 Daytona 24 Hours.
Sanna, who joined McLaren after a successful 22-year tenure at Lamborghini, emphasized the necessity of focusing on the brand’s most promising ventures. He stated, “We will continue to support the GT4 customer teams, but in three years’ time, we will be focused only on Trophy and GT3.” This marks a significant transition in McLaren’s racing strategy as they redirect their efforts.
Current status of the Artura GT4 program
The Artura GT4, which debuted in 2026, has become a notable contender in the racing community. It was first showcased at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed and began its competitive journey in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge in 2026. Despite its promising start, the model is now facing discontinuation.
According to Sanna’s revelations, the Artura GT4 will remain available for purchase until the end of 2028, with McLaren continuing to provide support. However, starting in 2029, only spare parts will be available from the factory, effectively marking the end of factory-backed customer racing for this model. This phased withdrawal reflects McLaren’s need to allocate resources to more strategic racing areas.
Transitioning to new racing opportunities
Sanna elaborated on future plans for existing Artura GT4 customers, indicating that McLaren intends to discuss potential transitions to the McLaren Trophy series. This series aims to cultivate young talent and provide a pathway into competitive GT3 racing, with support for teams that may wish to upgrade from their current GT4 setups.
“We will talk with our existing teams to investigate the opportunity to move from GT4 to the Trophy, because it’s possible also with an upgrade kit,” he explained. This proactive approach indicates McLaren’s commitment to maintaining its competitive edge while ensuring customer satisfaction.
McLaren’s racing legacy
The McLaren name has long been associated with high-performance racing, dating back to its competitive debut in 1995 with the F1 GTR. The modern iteration of McLaren’s customer racing program began in 2012 with the introduction of the 12C GT3, a model that set the stage for future successes.
The transition from the 570S GT4, which first raced in 2016, to the Artura GT4 shows McLaren’s ongoing evolution in the customer racing space. The Artura GT4 was expected to build on the legacy of its predecessors, yet the decision to discontinue it highlights the rapidly changing landscape of motorsport and the need for adaptability.
Looking ahead in motorsport
As McLaren pivots its strategy toward the GT3 category and the McLaren Trophy, the brand seeks to harness its resources effectively to ensure continued success. The McLaren Trophy is designed not only to showcase the brand’s racing prowess but also to create a nurturing environment for emerging talent in the world of motorsport.
Ultimately, while the Artura GT4 will soon become a chapter in McLaren’s illustrious history, the brand’s focus on GT3 and the Trophy series positions it well for future achievements in competitive racing. This strategic redirection is a testament to McLaren’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the high-stakes world of motorsport.