Vanthoor eyes IMSA future despite unfinished business at Le Mans

Laurens Vanthoor has expressed interest in joining IMSA after Porsche’s exit from the World Endurance Championship, but admits he’s reluctant to miss another shot at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Porsche’s shock decision to withdraw its factory team from the Hypercar class after just three seasons has created uncertainty regarding the future of its LMDh driver line-up.

While the German manufacturer will continue to operate the 963 LMDh in IMSA’s GTP division, it will have just four full-time seats to offer in 2026 - down from eight this year.

A vacancy has already opened up at Porsche Penske Motorsport team in IMSA following reigning champion Mathieu Jaminet’s move to Genesis’ new WEC programme, but it remains unclear how Porsche will accommodate the rest of its drivers across IMSA and other championships.

In theory, the Volkswagen Group brand could maintain a presence in the WEC's top class next year if it can attract enough interest from customers, but Proton Competition has already indicated that it doesn’t have the funding to operate two 963s - the minimum required per manufacturer for an entry in Hypercar.

Vanthoor, who has already made several IMSA appearances as an additional driver at PPM, said a move to the GTP category would be attractive to him - but it wouldn’t come without sacrifices. 

“I always love to be in IMSA. It's a championship I enjoy being at a lot,” the Belgian told Autosport. “But I will also miss not being in Le Mans, although there's still a chance.

“Le Mans is a race I haven't won yet, so it's something I would like to be there. But in the end, I would also be very happy in IMSA. I think I enjoy being there a lot.”

Asked how he views his prospects of securing a spot in Porsche’s IMSA squad next year, Vanthoor said: “It's something Porsche has to communicate. But I know I have a contract with Porsche to drive the 963, and there are not so many options besides IMSA. But it's something Porsche will communicate at the entire championships.”

Laurens Vanthoor, Porsche

Photo by: Porsche Motorsport

Vanthoor was one of the several drivers promoted from Porsche’s GT roster when it returned to the top echelon of endurance racing in 2023 with twin programmes in the WEC and IMSA. 

Driving the 963 LMDh, he delivered Porsche its first Hypercar win at the inaugural Qatar 1812km in 2024, and also won the drivers’ title the same year with team-mates Kevin Estre and Andre Lotterer.

The Belgian started his 2025 campaign with outright victories in the Daytona 24 Hours and the Sebring 12 Hours after joining IMSA regulars Nick Tandy and Felipe Nasr in the #7 Porsche 963.

Prior to stepping up to prototypes, Vanthoor enjoyed a successful tenure in GTs with Porsche and sister brand Audi, winning several major enduros including the Spa 24 Hours, the Nurburgring 24 Hours and the Bathurst 12 Hour.