Mercedes Gears Up For A WEC Comeback After 26 Years
Giancarlo Perlas November 21, 2024- Mercedes is fielding its battle-tested AMG GT3 for its return to the WEC in 2025.
- The automaker forged a partnership with Iron Lynx to compete in the LMGT3 class of the sporting organization.
Mercedes is staging a historic comeback at the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) after a 26-year hiatus. The iconic luxury and high-performance automaker will debut at the LMGT3 category of the event in 2025.
After Mercedes’ last stint in the organization in 1999 with the disastrous Mercedes-Benz CLR, it’s confident that the battle-hardened Mercedes-AMG GT3 under a new partnership with Iron Lynx will allow it to emulate the success of the Sauber-Mercedes C9.
From Huge Success to a Premature Exit
Mercedes enjoyed immense success with the C9, earning it second place in the WEC constructors rankings in 1988 and first in the next two years. However, the team failed to replicate its glory in the following years due to scheduling conflicts, technical issues, and other unfortunate turn of events.
Eventually, the proverbial final straw that broke the camel’s back was the infamous successor of the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, the CLR. Despite its predecessor displaying a strong showing in its previous innings, the track-focused but untested CLR failed to live up to the hype.
Embarrassingly, the CLR flipped from the tracks on two occasions. The first happened during practice, while the second occurred at an actual race.
From then on, the three-pointed star marque packed its bags from the WEC and refocused its racing ambitions elsewhere.
Mercedes Eyeing Redemption at WEC with Iron Lynx Partnership
Fast-forward to the present, Mercedes is looking to field two of its AMG GT3 at the WEC to reclaim the throne that has long evaded it. This falls at an opportune moment with its strategic partnership with Iron Lynx.
Iron Lynx’s alliance with Lamborghini is ending this 2024 season. With its new partnership with Mercedes in the LMGT3 class, the group will join nine other manufacturers in the grid next year.
The AMG GT3 brings the crucial lessons and experiences it obtained during its triumphs at Spa and Nürburgring. Christoph Sagemüller, head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, emphasized the brand’s eagerness to rekindle its relationship with Le Mans. He described the 2025 season as the “perfect moment” for a return to the prestigious organization.
The decision comes as the WEC expands its grid to accommodate up to 40 cars in order to create more opportunities for new entrants like Mercedes.
Key Challenges the AMG GT3 Could Face at the WEC
Despite the accolades it earned from other major sporting organizations, critics see significant challenges lying in wait for the AMG GT3 at the WEC. Analysts reminded that the Mercedes car has to undergo rigorous homologation and performance tests to comply with WEC standards. These include its maker equipping the car with extensive modifications to abide by the sport’s technical regulations.
Ultimately, Mercedes and Iron Lynx would have to find a way to complement the potential of the AMG GT3 with their strategic acumen to ensure their success in the highly competitive landscape of the WEC.
