DSC is now confident to report that Mercedes-AMG has, for some time, been formally evaluating a potential near-future entry in the Hypercar and/or GTP classes with an LMDh prototype.
Multiple industry sources have indicated that the German OEM has been in talks with key suppliers and rule-makers and, whilst a formal acknowledgement of a programme is yet to emerge, the level of evaluation and discussion makes it clear that this is significantly more than an informal testing of the waters.
This comes at a time when Genesis looks certain to confirm both WEC and IMSA programmes, with McLaren (potentially 2027) and Honda (also possible to add a WEC Hypercar campaign to its current IMSA GTP efforts from 2026 onwards) already on an impressive prospects list.
The possible introduction of Mercedes-AMG – for its first top-class sports prototype programme since 1999 – would therefore act as a further major boost in confidence to an already spectacular roster of manufacturers in a booming top class.
Whilst much of the paddock rumour mill continues to circulate around the future of Lamborghini in the FIA WEC’s top class, the reality is that even if a withdrawal or sabbatical is confirmed ahead of 2025 there appear to be several routes by which full-season WEC grids can be maintained in the high 30s.
Seeing Mercedes-AMG in the FIA WEC as early as next season is possible too via entries into LMGT3. And Lamborghini’s looming Hypercar decisions will have a direct impact.
The brand has aspirations to feature in the WEC with the AMG GT3 Evo, but is currently on the outside looking in. Should Lamborghini opt to pull its SC63s from the world championship, then there would likely be sufficient space for it to join the grid, which is capped at 40 cars for 2025.
However, time is running out on Mercedes being able to homologate the AMG GT3 Evo as an LMGT3 car in time. To this point, Mercedes-AMG has not needed to homologate the AMG GT3 Evo as an LMGT3 car to compete in the Asian Le Mans Series and Le Mans Cup.
Everything needs to come together fast in order for it to make its WEC debut in Qatar next year.
DSC’s approach last week to Mercedes-AMG Motorsport meanwhile, received no official response.
