Porsche used its renowned annual event, the “Night of Champions,” to announce a significant reduction in its factory driver lineup. Among the names cut, Gianmaria Bruni, a four-time class winner at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, surprised many observers.
This announcement also marks new beginnings for several talented drivers, proving Porsche’s ambition to return stronger for the 2025 World Endurance Championship (WEC) season.
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The notable departure of Gianmaria Bruni
Gianmaria Bruni, a Porsche icon since joining in 2017 after a successful stint with Ferrari, will no longer be part of the factory driver roster, meaning he will no longer represent the brand in competition. At 43, the Italian has enjoyed memorable moments, including a class win at Le Mans in 2022 with a Porsche 911 RSR in the GT category. However, in the past two seasons, he moved away from official factory cars to race with customer teams like Proton Competition in WEC and IMSA. Despite leaving the factory lineup, Bruni could remain active in 2025, potentially in IMSA, where he has left an indelible mark. His experience and talent will undoubtedly be sought after in the paddock.
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Restructuring and new opportunities at Porsche in WEC
Porsche has announced a reduction in its official driver lineup to 14 for the 2025 season. Among the notable departures are André Lotterer, Dane Cameron, and Frédéric Makowiecki. These changes are part of a strategic reorganization aimed at refocusing efforts on key programs in WEC and IMSA. On the other hand, this transition paves the way for fresh faces. Julien Andlauer, a rising star, has been promoted to factory driver status after proving his worth with Proton. Another notable addition is Nico Müller, who joins the team with experience in endurance racing and Formula E with the American Andretti team. Porsche also continues to invest in its next generation of talent, integrating drivers like Theo Oeverhaus and Alessandro Ghiretti into its junior program.
Porsche is looking ahead
Porsche’s 2025 program highlights its ambitions for endurance victories. The Porsche Penske Motorsport factory team will be supported by JDC-Miller Motorsports in IMSA, while Proton will continue its WEC commitment with a single Hypercar 963. The brand is also expanding its GT3 activities, including welcoming Michelle Gatting into the prestigious Iron Dames program and growing the Allied Racing team in DTM with Riccardo Feller and Bastian Buus. These adjustments showcase Porsche’s preparation for the future while strengthening its identity in motorsport. Porsche is a legendary brand synonymous with performance—not just through its cars but also through its ability to field top-tier drivers. Whether in endurance or GT racing, the goal remains clear: to maintain dominance while offering opportunities to a new generation of talent.
This article explores Gianmaria Bruni’s departure from Porsche’s factory team, the strategic reshuffle of its driver lineup, and the ambitious plans for the 2025 season in endurance and GT racing. A new era begins for the legendary brand.
Image: © Rick Flores / © Top Gear
