P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Porsche has announced today that it will withdraw its factory team from the Hypercar class of the FIA World Endurance Championship at the end of this season. The German manufacturer, which partners with Team Penske to run its prototype sportscar operations, will continue in the IMSA Sportscar Championship in 2026. Porsche has competed in WEC’s […]
Porsche is withdrawing its factory team from the Hypercar class in the FIA World Endurance Championship after this season, but will continue in the IMSA Sportscar Championship in 2026. The decision comes as Porsche faces declining electric vehicle sales impacting its revenue and necessitating cost-cutting measures. Despite struggling EV sales, the company remains committed to electric vehicles while focusing on competing in IMSA and Formula E.
This year, Porsche’s drivers Estre and Vanthoor are in contention for a second consecutive title in WEC, sitting third in the standings with an outside shot at victory in the final race in Bahrain. The team narrowly missed out on the manufacturers’ title in 2024 to Toyota. However, Porsche’s corporate problems have led to the discontinuation of its WEC Hypercar programme.
The future of Porsche’s customer team, Proton Competition, in the Hypercar class is uncertain, with questions surrounding their ability to meet WEC’s requirement for a minimum of two cars. It remains unclear if Porsche will make a one-off entry at Le Mans next year. Porsche expressed regret over its WEC withdrawal but emphasized its commitment to motorsport as a development platform for future technology and showcasing the potential of its sports cars. Porsche will continue to strive for overall victories in IMSA and Formula E, focusing on its motorsport traditions and goals for the future.
