Vanthoor Eyes IMSA Future Amid Porsche’s WEC Withdrawal
Laurens Vanthoor, a key driver for Porsche, has revealed his interest in transitioning to the IMSA series following the manufacturer’s unexpected decision to withdraw its factory team from the World Endurance Championship (WEC) after just three seasons. While Vanthoor is enthusiastic about the IMSA GTP category, he is cautious about missing another opportunity to compete in the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours.
Porsche’s exit from the Hypercar class raises significant questions regarding the future of its LMDh driver lineup. The brand plans to continue operating the 963 LMDh in the IMSA GTP division, but the number of available full-time seats will drop from eight in 2025 to just four by 2026. Mathieu Jaminet’s recent move to Genesis’ WEC program has already created a vacancy at Porsche Penske Motorsport.
As the situation stands, Porsche may still retain a presence in the WEC’s top class if customer interest permits. However, Proton Competition has expressed financial constraints that prevent them from fielding the two 963s required for a manufacturer entry.
Reflecting on the potential switch, Vanthoor stated, “I always love to be in IMSA. It’s a championship I enjoy a lot. However, I will also miss not being in Le Mans, although there’s still a chance.” He acknowledged that securing a position in Porsche’s IMSA squad is contingent on the manufacturer’s plans: “I know I have a contract with Porsche to drive the 963, and there are not so many options besides IMSA.”
Vanthoor has been instrumental for Porsche, clinching its first Hypercar victory at the inaugural Qatar 1812km in 2024, securing the drivers’ title with teammates Kevin Estre and Andre Lotterer. His 2025 season commenced successfully, with outright wins at both the Daytona 24 Hours and the Sebring 12 Hours, partnering with Nick Tandy and Felipe Nasr.
Before his ascent to prototypes, Vanthoor earned accolades in GT racing with Porsche and Audi, securing victories in notable endurance events such as the Spa 24 Hours and the Nurburgring 24 Hours.
As the landscape of endurance racing shifts, the motorsport community will closely watch how Porsche manages its driver lineup and the ambitions of its star talents like Vanthoor.
