The eight-driver lineup for the Hypercar programs in IMSA and the FIA WEC remains unchanged
IMSA series: The four regular drivers remain the same, but the driver pairings change
MUNICH, Germany – BMW M Motorsport relies on consistency for the lineups of its two Hypercar programs in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IMSA) and FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) in 2026. The same eight BMW M works drivers will take the wheel of the four BMW M Hybrid V8s as in 2025. However, there will be a change in the regular driver pairings in IMSA.
The eight drivers for BMW M Motorsport’s works programs in the FIA WEC and IMSA Series in 2026 are once again: Philipp Eng (AUT), Robin Frijns (NED), Kevin Magnussen (DEN), Raffaele Marciello (SUI), René Rast (GER), Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), Dries Vanthoor (BEL), and Marco Wittmann (GER). As in the previous year, Vanthoor and van der Linde will undertake double duty as regular drivers in both race series. Eng and Wittmann will return for another full season in North America, where BMW M Team WRT will take over operations from BMW M Team RLL. Starting in 2026, the Belgian team will compete with the BMW M Hybrid V8 in both IMSA and the FIA WEC.
In IMSA, there will be a swap in driver pairings. Regular drivers in the No. 24 BMW M Hybrid V8 will be Vanthoor and van der Linde. They will be supported in endurance races by Frijns and Rast. In the No. 25 car, Eng and Wittmann will contest the full season together. They will be joined by Magnussen and Marciello for endurance races.
Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “Consistency was our priority when selecting the Hypercar drivers for the 2026 season. We are very satisfied with the performance of all eight drivers, and there is no reason to make major changes. With every race, our drivers gain more experience with the BMW M Hybrid V8, which is crucial for the continued progress of our programme. In 2026, we will race with an updated car and a new team in the IMSA series. That’s enough change, so it was important for us to maintain continuity on the driver side. The key is that everyone works well as a team, pulls together, and advances our LMDh project. That’s exactly what’s happening. I’m very much looking forward to continuing this collaboration.”
IMSA, No. 24 BMW M Hybrid V8:
Sheldon van der Linde (RSA)
Dries Vanthoor (BEL)
Robin Frijns (NED), Endurance
René Rast (GER), Rolex 24 At Daytona
IMSA, No. 25 BMW M Hybrid V8:
Philipp Eng (AUT)
Marco Wittmann (GER)
Kevin Magnussen (DEN), Endurance
Raffaele Marciello (SUI), Rolex 24 At Daytona