Mercedes Hypercar in WEC? Exploring the possibilities

Mercedes could soon make its WEC debut with a Hypercar, aiming to challenge top endurance teams and bring the brand back to the forefront of endurance racing.

In recent years, the World Endurance Championship has experienced incredible success. Eespecially since the introduction of the Hypercar and LMGT3 classes. The days when only Audi, Porsche, and Toyota competed in the LMP1 category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans are long gone. Back then, just three manufacturers fought for overall victory. Now, the landscape has completely changed: the premier Hypercar class has reignited the competitive spirit of many teams. They now see the championship as a valuable showcase.

It’s a highly followed series, especially during European rounds, with average weekend attendances reaching over 100,000 spectators.

Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, Cadillac, Peugeot, Alpine, Toyota, Aston Martin, BMW — and soon McLaren in 2027 — have built an entry list that’s nothing short of spectacular. True, Lamborghini withdrew after only two years with the SC63, citing high development costs and difficulty in closing the performance gap. But it’s also true that the standardized Hypercar regulations are more stable and manageable over time, unlike other championships where constant rule changes are made just to boost the show.

Audi and Mercedes still missing in the WEC

Among the big names still missing from the grid are Audi and Mercedes. Audi has already confirmed its entry into Formula 1 in 2026, taking over and evolving the current Sauber F1 Stake team. Drivers? Hulkenberg and Bortoleto. The significant investment in this new venture likely leaves little room for a return to WEC. In fact, Audi recently stated that it’s no longer interested in GT racing. But what about Mercedes?

Since entering F1 in 2010, Mercedes has dominated the sport, winning everything in just over a decade. 8 Constructors’ Championships from 2014 to 2021 and 6 Drivers’ titles with Lewis Hamilton. While McLaren may currently be the dominant force in F1, Mercedes could take this moment as an opportunity to explore new challenges in the WEC.

Just like Aston Martin, which entered the championship with a car originally designed for the road, Mercedes already has the AMG One at its disposal. The hybrid supercar powered by a 1.6L turbo engine derived from its F1 power unit, coupled with an MGUK electric system. Alternatively, it could opt for the more affordable and proven 4.0L bi-turbo engine from the AMG GT3 lineup.

The last appearance in endurance racing

The experience that marked the end of Mercedes’ endurance racing efforts was the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Stuttgart-based manufacturer entered with three Benz CLR prototypes. During the weekend, on the long La Sarthe straight, all three cars took flight in spectacular crashes. The culprit was a front-end design that allowed excessive air to flow underneath the car, generating lift. The same aerodynamic effect that allows airplanes to take off.

Following this disastrous weekend, which seriously endangered the drivers (including Mark Webber), Mercedes withdrew entirely from this type of competition. And has not returned since…

Next FIA WEC appointment weekend 26/28 on in Japan, at Fuji. More info on the official website https://www.fiawec.com/