FIA Extends Hypercar Regulations to 2032, Expands Access for Manufacturers
The FIA has confirmed a significant extension of the Hypercar regulations, now set to remain in effect until the conclusion of the 2032 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season. This decision aims to sustain the "platinum era" of sports car racing and encourages the participation of additional manufacturers.
In a parallel move, the Hypercar category will be integrated into the Asian Le Mans Series starting in the 2026-27 season, exclusively for privateer teams with Pro-Am line-ups. ACO President Pierre Fillon emphasized the guiding principles of stability and cost control in this development, stating, “We are guided by two principles, stability and cost control.” The previous homologation period extension through 2029, announced at last year’s Le Mans press conference, has laid the groundwork for this latest update.
As a result, LMH and LMDh vehicles will enjoy an extended competitive lifespan, providing a longer timeline for new programs from manufacturers like Genesis, McLaren, and Ford. Richard Mille, President of the FIA Endurance Commission, noted the importance of this longevity for both manufacturers and fans, stating, “We have 12 manufacturers, others are coming…we want to finalize it by the end of the year.”
While these advancements enhance the Hypercar category’s accessibility—particularly amid WEC restrictions—IMSA remains non-committal about extending its GTP class regulations beyond 2029. IMSA President John Doonan indicated that clearer definitions regarding future regulations are forthcoming, targeting an announcement before the Rolex 24 in January 2026. “The goal would be sometime after the current extension in 2029,” he said, reflecting on the balancing act between current stakeholders and potential new entrants.
Notably, the conversation around a unified platform for either LMH or LMDh has not progressed, a point of interest for some manufacturers, including Porsche.
Regarding future innovations, Fillon highlighted the ACO’s objective to introduce a Hydrogen category by 2028, stating, “The objective of introducing a Hydrogen category in competition before the end of the decade is becoming clearer than ever.”
The latest changes reflect a strategic effort by the FIA and ACO to bolster participation and ensure long-term sustainability in sports car racing, fostering competition across various manufacturer levels while driving towards future technologies.
