Mercedes is finally making its return to the WEC grid in 2025, and this isn’t just another announcement. After more than two decades away, the three-pointed star is heading back to the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans, an event steeped in history and drama.
Why is Mercedes returning to endurance racing now, and why with Iron Lynx? Here’s everything you need to know.
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A new era with Iron Lynx in LMGT3
Mercedes isn’t coming back alone: the Iron Lynx team, already proven in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), will manage two Mercedes-AMG GT3 cars in the LMGT3 category. This partnership is far from random. Iron Lynx, known for its expertise, has secured multiple podiums in endurance racing, including one at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2021. The German manufacturer is betting on this collaboration to redefine its customer racing program. According to Christoph Sagemüller, head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, “the timing is perfect.” After observing the success of the LMGT3 category, Mercedes is ready to bring its touch and, most importantly, rekindle its connection with the Le Mans circuit. On the driver front, endurance veterans Matteo Cressoni and Claudio Schiavoni have already been confirmed for this big return.
BREAKING NEWS: Mercedes-AMG will join the grid next year!
We bet you weren't expecting that one. 👀
Stay tuned to find out which team the marque will be partnering with.#WEC #MercedesAMGMotorsport #MercedesAMG #Mercedes #AMG pic.twitter.com/kglLs1pnVy
— FIA World Endurance Championship (@FIAWEC) November 20, 2024
Mercedes and Le Mans: a past of triumphs and tragedies
Mercedes’ history at Le Mans is marked by spectacular highs and devastating lows. With two victories in 1952 and 1989, the brand has etched its name in motorsport history. Unfortunately, Mercedes and Le Mans are also associated with 1955, a year when a tragic accident claimed the lives of more than 80 spectators, casting a shadow over the event during one of motorsport’s darkest moments. This tragedy led Mercedes to withdraw from international racing for nearly 30 years, cooling its enthusiasm for endurance competitions. Even during its last appearance in 1999, bad luck struck again: the infamous airborne incidents involving the Mercedes CLR remain unforgettable, turning that year into chaos for the team. But this time, the star shines brightly with optimism, powered by a car renowned as a benchmark in GT racing—the Mercedes-AMG GT3—and the confidence gained from years of dominating Formula 1. Mercedes-AMG isn’t here to make up the numbers.
A challenge with ambition
Mercedes’ return to Le Mans in 2025 is a major undertaking. While expectations are sky-high, they’re matched by a wave of hope: a sharp team, a proven car, and a clear ambition to conquer endurance paddocks once again. This comeback also coincides with a general boom in the WEC, which is attracting prestigious manufacturers like Aston Martin and Lamborghini to the Hypercar category. For Mercedes, this is a unique opportunity to restore its legacy after decades away. “We live in the present and learn from the past,” says Sagemüller, with a clear goal of laying a significant milestone for the future. Personally, I’m beyond excited to see the Mercedes-AMG GT3s back in action at Le Mans!
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This article explores Mercedes’ long-awaited return to Le Mans, its partnership with Iron Lynx, and the challenges ahead. Between ambition and heritage, the German brand is set to write a new chapter in an already legendary story.
Source: World Endurance Championship
