2025 FIA WEC Driver Market Heats Up Ahead of Bahrain Finale
As the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) approaches its grand finale in Bahrain, significant changes are anticipated in the Hypercar class driver line-ups.
Key Developments:
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Potential Departure at Peugeot: Stoffel Vandoorne is likely to exit Peugeot, making way for reserve driver Théo Pourchaire at the Bahrain season finale. Peugeot Sport’s Technical Director Olivier Jansonnie emphasized the need for strategic decisions that align with future developments, stating, “We are trying to build on the future.”
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Confirmed Changes: Nick Cassidy is set to join Peugeot as a full-season driver for 2026, with testing for the 9X8 commencing next week at the Circuit of the Americas. Notably, the team may undergo significant restructuring, potentially changing over 50% of its driver lineup by the end of the 2026 season.
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Industry Trends: The driver market is poised for upheaval, with Genesis Magma Racing expected to debut next year and McLaren actively seeking new talent. Mick Schumacher, facing potential exclusion from the current Cadillac driver lineup, has emerged as a frontrunner for McLaren.
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Cadillac and BMW Prospects: Cadillac is evaluating potential candidates to fill vacancies, including a likely return for IndyCar driver Callum Ilott. Meanwhile, BMW plans to streamline its operations under WRT for both Hypercar and GTP divisions starting in 2026.
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Emerging Talent: Toyota is keenly monitoring Esteban Masson, praised by WEC Vice Chairman Kazuki Nakajima as a promising young talent, with aspirations to cultivate a diverse driver pool.
Future Implications:
The shift in driver contracts, compounded by the entry of new manufacturers and the existing teams’ competitive pressures, suggests an intense off-season ahead. Teams are gearing up to maximize their chances as the WEC landscape evolves, marking a critical juncture for drivers and teams alike.
