Lamborghini is reportedly poised to exit the world of endurance racing ahead of the 2025 FIA WEC season.
This decision comes after a single season of participation in both the Hypercar and LMGT3 categories, during which the iconic Italian automaker – known for its high-performance sports cars – faced numerous challenges and uncertainties.
The primary catalyst for Lamborghini’s potential exit appears to be the new regulatory framework introduced by the WEC for next year, which mandates that all manufacturers in the Hypercar class must field two cars.
The brand’s chief technical officer and acting motorsport director, Rouven Mohr, indicated that this requirement was not initially anticipated and poses significant logistical and financial challenges for the company.
Mohr stated: “The biggest issue for us is that the second car was not foreseen. It generates issues within our company to support the second car adequately.” This unexpected burden has led to a reassessment of Lamborghini’s involvement in both WEC and IMSA competitions.
Throughout 2024, Lamborghini had partnered with Iron Lynx in its racing endeavors, however, the relationship has reportedly soured amid ongoing uncertainties regarding the program’s future.
Speculation about a rift between the two has intensified, particularly as the latter prepares to transition its successful Iron Dames program to Porsche machinery for 2025 despite previous success in GTE AM.
Amid initial optimism about competing in both WEC and IMSA, Lamborghini’s performance in its debut season has not met expectations. The SC63 LMDh car struggled to secure podium finishes, with only one notable success in LMGT3 during the current season.
The underwhelming performance has compounded frustrations within the team and raised doubts about Lamborghini’s ability to compete effectively under the new two-car mandate.
In light of these developments, Lamborghini is reportedly considering a more focused approach for its racing program. While it has not definitively ruled out continuing in FIA WEC or IMSA, all options are on the table, including a complete withdrawal from endurance racing altogether.
Mohr emphasized that any decision will depend on what is feasible from both a financial and operational standpoint. He remarked, “Our wish would have been to continue with one car in IMSA and one car in WEC. Now we are in a situation where we need to find a way to manage two cars in WEC and one car in IMSA.”
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The urgency of making a decision is heightened by looming deadlines; entries for the 2025 FIA WEC season close on November 18th. With this timeline in mind, the brand must quickly evaluate its options and determine whether it can sustain a competitive presence in either championship.
As it stands, Lamborghini’s potential exit from WEC raises significant implications for its brand visibility and marketing strategy. The 24 Hours of Le Mans—one of the most prestigious endurance races—offers unparalleled exposure that many manufacturers covet.
Leaving this arena could diminish Lamborghini’s presence on a global scale at a time when other manufacturers are ramping up their commitments to endurance racing.
Moreover, relinquishing its grid spots could complicate future plans for its racing program. The company is poised to introduce a successor to its Huracan GT3 model by 2026, coinciding with the anticipated arrival of new competitors like Genesis Hypercar into the WEC fold.
By stepping back now, Lamborghini risks losing valuable opportunities for development and collaboration that could enhance its competitive edge when it re-enters the fray.
In contrast to its struggles, other manufacturers are solidifying their positions within endurance racing. Mercedes-AMG appears well-positioned to capitalize on any gaps left by Lamborghini’s departure, potentially entering the 2025 FIA WEC with its own GT3-spec vehicles.
The decision-making process at Lamborghini is further complicated by internal dynamics within Squadra Corse—the brand’s motorsport division—which is relatively small compared to other teams. With fewer than 30 personnel dedicated to managing its LMDh project, scaling operations to meet new demands presents an additional hurdle for Lamborghini as it navigates this transitional period.
While Mohr has expressed a desire to remain competitive and committed to developing the SC63 LMDh program, he acknowledges that significant changes are necessary for success moving forward.
“We have always said this is not a short-time shot—we have a clear strategy behind our engagement,” he noted during recent discussions about Lamborghini’s future in endurance racing.
As fans and industry insiders await official confirmation regarding Lamborghini’s plans for 2025 FIA WEC and IMSA, it remains clear that the brand faces critical decisions impacting not only its motorsport ambitions but also its overall brand strategy within the competitive automotive landscape.
The coming weeks will be crucial as the brand evaluates its options and determines how best to position itself amid shifting dynamics in endurance racing.
