The World Endurance Championship (WEC) has just revealed its entries for the 2025 season, and Lamborghini’s announcement to withdraw from the championship next year has taken many motorsport fans by surprise.
After a 2024 season where the team competed in both the Hypercar and LMGT3 categories, the Italian manufacturer has decided to end its programs in these two classes. Here’s a look at this decision that’s shaking up the WEC landscape and its implications for the future of endurance racing.
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A strategic withdrawal amid new WEC requirements
Lamborghini’s exit from the WEC was confirmed during the release of the reduced entry list for the 2025 season. The main reason for this decision lies in the new rules imposed on factory Hypercar teams, requiring them to field at least two cars to compete. Lamborghini explained that managing three cars across two championships (WEC and IMSA) had become too complex for its technical and financial resources. Unlike Ferrari, Porsche, or even Alpine, Lamborghini’s structure is relatively limited in terms of financial resources and workforce. It was a tough yet pragmatic choice in an increasingly demanding environment for teams competing in the WEC.
13 brands ready to take on the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship season. 👊
But, which cars will we hear firing up on the grid, and which teams will be fighting for glory?
Take a look at the official 2025 entry list to find out. 👇#WEC @24hoursoflemans @fia pic.twitter.com/mTlrgP6Knv
— FIA World Endurance Championship (@FIAWEC) November 22, 2024
Iron Lynx’s pivot to Mercedes
This announcement comes after Iron Lynx, Lamborghini’s partner in Hypercar and LMGT3, stated their plans to partner with Mercedes for their LMGT3 entries. The collaboration with Mercedes-AMG GT3 marked the end of the Lamborghini partnership in this category, with the Lamborghini Huracan GT3 being directly replaced by Mercedes cars. This highlights a strategic shift in Lamborghini’s approach, focusing on more realistic priorities for the immediate future. While this makes sense, I personally find it regrettable that Lamborghini is leaving the WEC just as the championship boasts a record number of manufacturers. As a result, Ferrari will remain the sole Italian manufacturer on the grid for the 2025 season.
A tighter grid for the 2025 season
Lamborghini’s withdrawal adds to an already reduced list of Hypercar participants for 2025. Several teams have opted for a streamlined structure, and names like Isotta Fraschini, which could not continue its program past July 2024, further confirm this trend. Others, such as Proton Competition, remain in Hypercar with a single vehicle, while Porsche, Toyota, and Ferrari prepare to field their full lineups for the season. This evolution highlights the increasing competitiveness of the WEC, but also the uncertainty surrounding manufacturers’ projects as costs and regulations become ever more critical factors. Fortunately, when one manufacturer leaves, another steps in—this time in the form of Aston Martin Racing, which will join the championship’s top class.
This article explores Lamborghini’s decision to withdraw from the WEC and its impact on teams and competition. The Italian manufacturer has chosen to refocus its priorities in endurance racing, leaving notable consequences for the future of the Hypercar and LMGT3 categories. While awaiting further developments, this decision underscores the need for rigorous financial and technical management for teams participating in this prestigious championship.
Source: World Endurance Championship
