Lamborghini Discusses Future of the SC63 LMDh Program Amid 2026 Hiatus Announcement
At a recent roundtable with motorsport media at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Lamborghini executives, including chief technical officer Rouven Mohr and president and CEO Stephan Winkelmann, provided critical insights into the future of their SC63 LMDh program, which is currently paused until 2026.
The gathering coincided with the SC63’s first major Evo ‘joker’ upgrade—a revamped rear suspension aimed at resolving fundamental performance issues identified during its inaugural season in IMSA and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). Mohr noted that the previous suspension struggled on bumpy tracks, affecting tire degradation and mechanical balance: “We suffered a lot to warm up the new tires and had strong degradation,” he explained.
Despite the challenges, Lamborghini has approached the upgrade conservatively, focusing on data collection during its initial year. Mohr stated, “It was clear the first year was learning… we prioritized information gathering before implementing any changes.”
The upcoming suspension upgrade was planned as early as January, well before the announcement of the program pause. Mohr emphasized that the modifications were essential for understanding the car’s potential, irrespective of the program’s hiatus.
The SC63’s suspension upgrade has been tested extensively and made its debut during the recent Battle on the Bricks race, driven by Romain Grosjean and Edoardo Mortara. Mohr confirmed that resolving the suspension issues is a priority before any further improvements can be made, particularly in aerodynamics, which will follow once the car’s stability is assured.
Winkelmann expressed optimism about a future return to racing, contingent on securing a suitable partner for continued operation. “If you ask me if we want to come back, it’s a clear yes,” he stated, while acknowledging the uncertainties involved in realizing this vision.
He emphasized the importance of finding a partner with financial stability and expertise in modern racing, especially following an acrimonious split from previous collaborators Iron Lynx and PREMA. Current operations, managed by Riley Motorsports as a temporary solution, are viewed as insufficient for long-term success.
Mohr highlighted that any future return to the track would likely focus on IMSA, given its significance to the brand and the comparatively lower operational costs compared to WEC. The SC63’s loyal fanbase in North America underscores Lamborghini’s commitment to this market.
As Lamborghini navigates these challenges, the SC63 faces an uncertain future, with expectations of returning potentially in 2027—but only if the right strategic partnerships are secured. The auto manufacturer continues to develop the vehicle, but the clock is ticking, with the SC63 scheduled for its next race at the upcoming Petit Le Mans, potentially marking its last competitive outing for the foreseeable future.
