Iron Dames Confirm Exit from FIA World Endurance Championship Ahead of 2026
The Iron Dames, an all-female racing team founded by Deborah Mayer, will not return to the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026, as announced in a statement released today. The team, which debuted in the WEC in 2021 following two seasons in the European Le Mans Series, achieved significant milestones, including a podium finish at Monza in 2022 and a historic victory at Bahrain in 2023.
However, since their transition from LMGTE to LMGT3 machinery, the team has struggled to replicate its past successes, failing to secure a podium finish across 16 races with both Lamborghini and Porsche entries. Financial difficulties have also plagued the organization, further complicating their competitive standing.
The team’s exit from the WEC follows their absence from the 2026 IMSA Sportscar Championship entry list. The Iron Dames confirmed that no Porsche entry would appear under their banner for the upcoming season, as they navigate a strategic downscaling of their operations.
A spokesperson for the team emphasized, “This is a change by design—one that strengthens our long-term vision. Our journey taught us that standing still is never an option.” They highlighted the team’s impact on the sport, asserting, “The Iron Dames have stood at the summit of world endurance racing—proving that talent has no gender.”
Looking ahead, the future of their European Le Mans Series and Michelin Le Mans Cup programs, both of which saw race victories in 2025, remains undecided. The Iron Dames reaffirmed their commitment to inspiring the next generation of racers, indicating that their journey will continue beyond the confines of WEC competition.
Further announcements regarding the team’s upcoming engagements are anticipated.
