BMW M Motorsport retained its core line-up for FIA WEC run in Hypercar along with IMSA, as Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak to drive for Trident in Abu Dhabi finale.
BMW M Motorsport relies on consistency for the line-ups of its two Hypercar programmes in the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IMSA Series) in 2026. The same eight BMW M works drivers will take the wheel of the four BMW M Hybrid V8s as in 2025. However, there will be a change in the regular driver pairings in the IMSA Series.
The eight drivers for BMW M Motorsport’s works programmes in the FIA WEC and IMSA Series in 2026 are once again: Philipp Eng (AUT), Robin Frijns (NED), Kevin Magnussen (DEN), Raffaele Marciello (SUI), René Rast (GER), Sheldon van der Linde (RSA), Dries Vanthoor (BEL), and Marco Wittmann (GER). As in the previous year, Vanthoor and van der Linde will undertake double duty as regular drivers in both race series. Eng and Wittmann will return for another full season in North America, where BMW M Team WRT will take over operations from BMW M Team RLL. Starting in 2026, the Belgian team will compete with the BMW M Hybrid V8 in both the FIA WEC and IMSA Series.
In FIA WEC, the driver line-ups for both cars remain unchanged. The #15 BMW M Hybrid V8 will be shared by Magnussen, Marciello, and Vanthoor. In the #20 car, Frijns, Rast, and van der Linde will alternate. In the IMSA Series, there will be a swap in driver pairings. Regular drivers in the #24 BMW M Hybrid V8 will be Vanthoor and van der Linde. They will be supported in endurance races by Frijns and Rast. In the #25 car, Eng and Wittmann will contest the full season together. They will be joined by Magnussen and Marciello for endurance races.
Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “Consistency was our priority when selecting the Hypercar drivers for the 2026 season. We are very satisfied with the performance of all eight drivers, and there is no reason to make major changes. With every race, our drivers gain more experience with the BMW M Hybrid V8, which is crucial for the continued progress of our programme. In 2026, we will race with an updated car and a new team in the IMSA Series. That’s enough change, so it was important for us to maintain continuity on the driver side. The key is that everyone works well as a team, pulls together, and advances our LMDh project. That’s exactly what’s happening. I’m very much looking forward to continuing this collaboration.”
Hypercar line-ups for 2026 at a glance:
FIA WEC, #15 BMW M Hybrid V8:
Kevin Magnussen (DEN)
Raffaele Marciello (SUI)
Dries Vanthoor (BEL)
FIA WEC, #20 BMW M Hybrid V8:
Robin Frijns (NED)
René Rast (GER)
Sheldon van der Linde (RSA)
IMSA Series, #24 BMW M Hybrid V8:
Sheldon van der Linde (RSA)
Dries Vanthoor (BEL)
Robin Frijns (NED), Endurance
René Rast (GER), 24h Daytona
IMSA Series, #25 BMW M Hybrid V8:
Philipp Eng (AUT)
Marco Wittmann (GER)
Kevin Magnussen (DEN), Endurance
Raffaele Marciello (SUI), 24h Daytona
Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak –
Trident Motorsport is pleased to announce the agreement reached with Thai driver Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak, who will compete in the next round of the FIA Formula 2 Championship in Abu Dhabi under its colors. This marks Inthraphuvasak’s debut in the second-tier series, after competing for two seasons in the FIA Formula 3 Championship. In the recently concluded championship, the Thai driver stood out, collecting three victories, two in the Sprint Races at Silverstone and the Hungaroring, and one in the Feature Race at Monza.
Inthraphuvasak has already had the opportunity to familiarize himself with Trident Motorsport’s working methods, having competed in the recent Macau Formula Regional Grand Prix with the Milan-based team. Immediately competitive on the winding and treacherous streets of the Guia circuit, Inthraphuvasak impressed the technical staff. Now comes the new challenge that will see him behind the wheel of the FIA Formula 2 Championship single-seater at the final round of the season in Abu Dhabi. Inthraphuvasak will have little time to familiarize himself with the car, but he will be constantly guided by the men of Trident Motorsport.
Giacomo Ricci, Trident Motorsport Team Manager: “We are pleased to be able to field Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak in the final round of the FIA Formula 2 Championship season. I consider him one of the most talented drivers we have seen in the FIA Formula 3 Championship this year. We had the opportunity to see Tasanapol’s skills in the Macau Grand Prix, where he raced with us and immediately proved to be fast and competitive. Although he is making his debut in the category, I am sure he can also do well on the Yas Marina circuit.”
Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak, Trident Motorsport driver: “I’m really excited to be racing in the final round of the FIA Formula 2 Championship with Trident Motorsport. It’s a great opportunity, and I want to thank everyone who made it possible. I’m looking forward to making the most of this weekend and preparing as best I can for next season.”
Other news –
Leonardo Fornaroli hints of his future (speculated to be F1 reserve and test role): “I have an idea of what’s happening with my future. My focus still remains on the last round of F2 in the meantime. My manager and management are doing an amazing job, and I’m very confident for what’s next. And I hope you will be able to see what will happen in few weeks time.”
Daytona International Speedway
November 14 – 16, 2025
[The story is as per press release]