Genesis Magma Racing has confirmed that rising French star Mathys Jaubert and experienced Spaniard Daniel Juncadella will join its driver line-up for the team’s debut FIA World Endurance Championship season in 2026.
The pair, fresh from securing their third European Le Mans Series LMP2 victory of the season at Silverstone last weekend, will graduate to the top class with the Genesis Magma Racing GMR-001 Hypercar. They join the Korean brand’s previously confirmed factory drivers, André Lotterer and Pipo Derani, who were taken on as the squad’s first two signings at the end of last year.
The decision to promote Jaubert and Juncadella so rapidly highlights the impact of Genesis Magma’s Trajectory Programme, designed to evaluate potential talent for its flagship sportscar racing effort.
Both drivers only entered prototype racing this year but have made an instant impact, scoring wins with partner team IDEC Sport in Barcelona (on debut), Le Castellet and most recently in changeable conditions at Silverstone. They currently sit second in the ELMS standings heading into the season finale.
“The target for the Trajectory Programme was always to support drivers and give them the opportunity to prove they could step up to our WEC line-up,” team principal Cyril Abiteboul said of the duo’s rise.
“That we are already in a position where we can bring Mathys and Dani in for 2026 is a massive credit to them.”
Sporting director Gabriele Tarquini added that the balance of youth and experience will be a strength for the new Hypercar squad: “Their relative lack of experience in prototype racing will be balanced by the other four drivers in our line-up to give us a great mix of experience, and new drivers to Hypercar who are hungry and motivated to win.”
Both Jaubert and Juncadella will begin testing the GMR-001 Hypercar later this year alongside Lotterer and Derani as preparations continue for Genesis Magma’s maiden campaign, which begins in Qatar.
For Juncadella, the promotion is a logical next step after two seasons in WEC’s LMGT3 ranks as a Corvette factory driver with TF Sport.
“It fits perfectly for me to step up in a championship I know very well,” he said. “To do it with Genesis Magma Racing, starting from scratch with a brand that aims to be here for many years, makes it even more special.
“The testing we will do this year will be my first real steps in Hypercar. It was cool to see the car for the first time and do the seat fitting, but I’m really looking forward to jumping behind the wheel for the first time and starting to work with the team, André and Pipo to be ready for the first rounds.
“Qatar will be a big event for us, as the first time Genesis Magma Racing will compete in WEC. Le Mans is always a highlight of the year – I’ve done it twice already, but being in the top class will be really special.”
Jaubert, who set the fastest LMP2 lap at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, sees the move as a career-defining chance:
“For me, it’s a big step and a chance to measure myself against the best in the world. The experience in ELMS has been invaluable, and I’m looking forward to continuing that progression in Hypercar.”
While Jaubert and Juncadella’s promotions have been confirmed, fellow Trajectory Programme driver Jamie Chadwick’s 2026 plans will be revealed at a later date.
Genesis Magma Racing is expected to announce further details of its WEC line-up in the coming months as it builds towards its debut season, including full confirmation of Juncadella and Jaubert’s programme. Genesis is expected to utilise four full-time drivers in the WEC, and an additional pair of part-time factory drivers for the longer races.
Images courtesy of Genesis/Drew Gibson
