Porsche’s project for the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans is taking a surprising turn. While Sebastian Vettel seemed well-positioned for a seat in a potential third car, Pascal Wehrlein’s recent appearance behind the wheel of a Porsche 963 at Daytona reshuffles the deck.
With a strong track record and his role as a factory driver, Pascal Wehrlein may very well outshine the four-time Formula 1 world champion, much to the disappointment of Vettel’s loyal fans.
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Wehrlein: a serious contender for the Hypercar project
Pascal Wehrlein, a former Formula E champion and current Porsche test driver, recently participated in an official test at Daytona, driving the Porsche 963 for the customer team JDC-Miller. This low-key test sends a clear message: Porsche is seriously evaluating Wehrlein to bolster its Hypercar lineup for the upcoming Le Mans. Unlike Vettel, who stepped away from top-tier racing after leaving Aston Martin in Formula 1 in 2022, Wehrlein is in peak form and actively competing. Already involved in the development of the Porsche 963 in 2022, he knows the car inside out. Potential entries in races like Daytona or Sebring could further sharpen his skills in prototypes, making him a strong candidate for Le Mans.
A third car, but only one seat up for grabs
Porsche plans to run a third car in the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans, a strategic move made possible by their IMSA victory this year. But who will claim the final seat? While Sebastian Vettel’s name carries weight, his candidacy is less clear-cut on a technical level. Although he participated in a few demonstrations in 2023, he is far removed from the intensity of current competition and may lack preparation. On the other hand, Wehrlein, with his Formula E calendar perfectly aligned with the WEC schedule, presents a much more pragmatic option. His lack of scheduling conflicts for key test days or races like Le Mans and Sebring also works in his favor.
A strategic decision for Porsche
The choice between Wehrlein and Vettel goes far beyond on-track performance. For Porsche, it’s about balancing brand image, competitiveness, and the demands of a challenging season. While Vettel would be a massive marketing win, Wehrlein offers a proven, reliable solution to maximize the team’s chances of success on the track.
With names like Julien Andlauer recently promoted and other veterans replaced, Porsche’s 2025 team structure is undergoing a transformation. Wehrlein might just represent this new era for the German manufacturer. Sebastian Vettel at the 24 Hours of Le Mans would be absolutely amazing, but victory doesn’t rely solely on Porsche’s brand image. We’ll know more in the coming weeks.
This article explores how Pascal Wehrlein’s recent Daytona test positions him as a leading contender for Porsche’s third Hypercar seat at 2025 edition of Le Mans. It dives into Porsche’s strategic considerations, from Wehrlein’s competitive edge to Vettel’s marketability as a high-profile candidate.
Featured image: Newsroom Porsche
