What are Porsche’s plans after leaving the WEC?

As anticipated in recent months, Porsche’s departure from the WEC has become official. Starting in 2026, the Porsche 963 will bid farewell to the World Endurance Championship. Following a realignment of the brand’s motorsport programs, but continuing in the IMSA programm. What was meant to be a global showcase for the Stuttgart-based manufacturer did not yield the expected results. Particularly due to the absence of a Le Mans 24 Hours victory in recent years.

At the same time, they have confirmed that the upcoming 718 Cayman and Boxster models will not be fully electric. A decision aligned with the brand’s market strategy. While Porsche aims to develop new electric models over the next 5-10 years, in the short term it will focus on more targeted programs. From 2026 onward, official activities will be limited to Formula E and the IMSA championship. There the 963 LMDh will continue to compete, alongside ongoing customer racing programs.

Porsche Programs: IMSA and Formula E

The WEC 963 Hypercar will continue to compete in American IMSA championship, leveraging visibility in a key market to boost future sales. At the same time, Porsche will focus on Formula E, regarded as an ideal testing ground for technologies that can be transferred to road cars. Although Formula E does not attract the same following as other championships, it remains crucial for technological innovation and electrification strategy.

Michael Steiner, member of executive board, explained that the presence of an extremely competitive Ferrari in recent years has limited Porsche’s visibility, with the Italian team winning the most prestigious races. Despite securing a seasonal victory in Austin and the return of the LMDh project with the aim of competing again at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Porsche was unable to overcome the Ferrari 499P.

Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President of Motorsport, emphasized the strategic role of motorsport. “We use motorsport as a testing ground for future technologies and to showcase the potential of our sports cars. With the Porsche 963 in the North American IMSA championship and the Porsche 99X Electric in Formula E, we aim to continue fighting for outright victories, in line with our tradition and long-standing goals.”

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€3 Billion on the Table to Reinstate Hybrid Models

At the core of Porsche’s withdrawal from the WEC lies a strategic financial decision. In 2025, the brand will face over €3 billion in extraordinary costs to reintroduce hybrid road models and revise its initial plan for a full electric transition. The weak global demand for electric sports cars has made the original strategy unsustainable in international markets, prompting the company to focus on more targeted yet equally strategic programs for the future.