Laurens Vanthoor’s Dilemma: IMSA Aspirations vs. Le Mans Legacy!
In the high-octane world of endurance racing, Laurens Vanthoor finds himself at a crossroads, grappling with the tantalizing prospect of joining the IMSA series while nursing a profound yearning to conquer the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours. The Belgian racing virtuoso is caught in a whirlwind of uncertainty following Porsche’s jaw-dropping decision to withdraw its factory team from the World Endurance Championship (WEC) after just three seasons in the Hypercar class.
Porsche’s shocking exit has left its LMDh driver lineup in turmoil, with only four coveted full-time seats available in IMSA by 2026, a significant drop from eight this year. The stakes have never been higher as Vanthoor weighs his options. A seat has already opened up at the prestigious Porsche Penske Motorsport team in IMSA, following reigning champion Mathieu Jaminet’s bold shift to Genesis’ groundbreaking WEC program. However, the fate of other drivers remains shrouded in mystery as Porsche struggles to navigate its future in both IMSA and other racing championships.
Could Porsche still maintain a foothold in the WEC’s elite category next year? The answer lies in their ability to attract customer interest. But the clock is ticking, and Proton Competition has already made it clear that they lack the financial backing to operate the two 963s required for a manufacturer entry into Hypercar.
For Vanthoor, the allure of the GTP category in IMSA is undeniable. “I always love to be in IMSA. It’s a championship I enjoy being at a lot,” he confided in a recent interview. Yet, the shadow of Le Mans looms large in his mind. “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.”
As he contemplates his future, Vanthoor acknowledges the complexity of securing a spot in Porsche’s IMSA lineup for next year. “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,” he stated, hinting at the intricate web of negotiations and decisions that lie ahead.
A star on the rise, Vanthoor was one of the standout drivers elevated from Porsche’s impressive GT roster when the brand made its triumphant return to the pinnacle of endurance racing in 2023 with dual programs in the WEC and IMSA. Behind the wheel of the 963 LMDh, he clinched Porsche’s inaugural Hypercar victory at the Qatar 1812km in 2024 and bagged the drivers’ championship title alongside teammates Kevin Estre and Andre Lotterer.
His stellar 2025 season kicked off with commanding wins at the Daytona 24 Hours and the Sebring 12 Hours, teaming up with IMSA veterans Nick Tandy and Felipe Nasr in the formidable #7 Porsche 963. Before making the leap to prototypes, Vanthoor had already etched his name in history with multiple victories in GT racing, conquering major endurance events like the Spa 24 Hours, the Nürburgring 24 Hours, and the Bathurst 12 Hour.
As Laurens Vanthoor stands on the precipice of a career-defining choice, the racing world watches with bated breath: Will he forge ahead in IMSA, or will he seize the chance to etch his name into the annals of Le Mans history? The clock is ticking, and the roar of engines beckons.








