Winward Racing Sets Sights on Third Straight GTD Championship in 2026 IMSA Season
As the 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season unfolds, Winward Racing emerges as the team to beat in the GTD category. The Mercedes-AMG squad, led by drivers Philip Ellis and Russell Ward, aims to secure its third consecutive GTD championship, following back-to-back title wins in 2024 and 2025.
After a lackluster 2023 season, where they finished 10th overall, Winward reestablished dominance with four victories in the first five races of 2024 and continued their success with three additional wins last year, despite challenges with newly introduced torque sensors.
“That was probably the biggest unknown we had coming into the year,” Ellis remarked, reflecting on the team’s initial struggle with the technology. “We felt a little blindsided… but we received significant support from Mercedes and HWA to get them operational.”
IMSA also adapted during the previous season, modifying its approach to the torque sensors as teams gained experience. “What we had in Daytona compared to Sebring was completely different,” noted Ellis, emphasizing the learning curve for both teams and the sanctioning body.
The 2026 season introduces a new challenge: Michelin’s Pilot Sport Pro GT H1+ tires. “It’s completely different to last year… with a softer sidewall, it feels like the car is moving much more,” Ellis explained, drawing parallels to the behavior of the Pirelli tires used in other championships.
The Winward crew, including endurance specialist Indy Dontje, is further strengthened by Mercedes-AMG factory driver Lucas Auer for key races. Auer highlighted the importance of tire knowledge, stating, “With the tire changes, drivers need to adapt quickly… understanding the peak and degradation is crucial.”
As Winward Racing prepares for the season ahead, the AMG GT3 EVO continues to showcase its prowess, albeit nearing the end of its competitive lifecycle. Upcoming announcements regarding its replacement are anticipated, while the team strives to maximize performance in a fiercely competitive landscape.
Auer captured the sentiment succinctly: “Finding two or three tenths is tough; all top setups are well known. It’s not getting easier year after year.” With the pressure mounting, the team’s resilience and adaptability will be put to the test as they chase continued success in 2026.
