- Porsche underlines importance of North American market by sticking with IMSA entry
- German marque rejoined WEC in 2023 in partnership with Penske Motorsport
Porsche has announced it will withdraw from the World Endurance Championship (WEC) at the end of the current season.
An official release stated that the decision is part of a ‘comprehensive realignment’ that will see Porsche concentrate resources on its Formula E and International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) programmes.
Dr Michael Steiner, member of the executive board for development at Porsche AG, confirmed that “due to the current circumstances” the manufacturer will cease its involvement in WEC.
Dr Michael Steiner, member of the executive board for development at Porsche AG, stated that “due to the current circumstances” the company will cease its involvement in WEC.
The decision comes amid a challenging financial period for the German marque, with profits falling due to weakened demand in China – a trend impacting much of the automotive industry
In the first half of 2025, Porsche reported group sales revenue of €18.16 billion (US$21.11 billion) and an operating profit of €1.01 billion (US$1.17 billion). These figures were down from €19.46 billion (US$22.62 billion) and €3.06 billion (US$3.56 billion), respectively, in 2024.
“We use motorsport as a development platform for future technology and to illustrate the potential of our sports cars,” said Thomas Laudenbach, vice president of Porsche Motorsport.
“With the Porsche 963 in the North American IMSA series and the Porsche 99X Electric in the Formula E World Championship, we want to continue to fight for overall victories in the future. That is our tradition and our focus.”
It’s important to note that Porsche’s decision does not signal broader challenges for WEC, despite the recent departure of Lamborghini as well. Genesis will join the championship next season, with Ford and McLaren set to come on board in 2027, highlighting the continued relevance of the series to manufacturers.
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BlackBook says…
Despite Porsche’s decision to depart from WEC, its continued commitment to IMSA underscores the ongoing importance of the US market. While tariffs continue to impact European car manufacturers, Porsche remains focused on maintaining its presence in both the US racing scene and the wider North American market.
Of course, the partnership with Penske Motorsport, established in 2023, allows Porsche to continue its IMSA participation at a relatively low cost.
That said, it’s unfortunate to see an iconic marque like Porsche exit WEC – arguably the brand most synonymous with endurance racing. No manufacturer can rival Porsche’s 19 victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
This decision also signals Porsche’s shift towards Formula E, which aligns more closely with its current strategy of developing a fleet of all-electric vehicles. Whether this is the right move to revitalise the parent company’s financial situation remains to be seen.
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