Racing Against the Clock
When Mercedes made its entry into the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with the AMG GT3, few of us could anticipate the rollercoaster of emotions the team would experience throughout the season. After a series of early setbacks, including multiple did-not-finish (DNF) results, a podium finish in Bahrain marked a significant turning point for the storied brand.
“It was hard to get what was needed to be in this professional environment. It was a huge challenge,” admitted Stefan Wendl, Mercedes' head of customer racing. “Everything happened in a very short time.”
The Formation of a New Era
The partnership with Iron Lynx was birthed in November of last year, giving the team a mere few months to adapt and fully prepare for the rigors of WEC racing. After significant effort to align the AMG GT3 with LMGT3 regulations, the clock was ticking down toward their season opener.
From engineering adjustments to last-minute modifications, the team hustled to ensure their cars would be fit for battle in Qatar. This was no simple task, especially for a team new to the WEC landscape.
“It was an intense period for us,” Wendl added. “Every day counted.”
Early Struggles: Facing the Music
Mercedes faced overwhelming challenges in their initial races, beginning at Lusail where both cars encountered mechanical failures. Iron Lynx's #60 car couldn't finish, and the #61 crew felt the pressure as they aimed to find their footing in a competitive field.
“In the first two rounds, it was quite hard to see our cars always in the back end after qualifying,” Wendl recalled. “This is something I'm really not used to.”
Yet, through these struggles, the team remained resilient, knowing that growth often comes from pain.
Identifying Critical Areas for Growth
One of the most eye-opening facets of the season was the impact of driver changes. After just two races, the line-up was altered, stirring uncertain dynamics within the team. Wendl noted, “As soon as you change drivers, it will change the performance somehow.”
Despite these shifts, the racing community witnessed glimpses of potential as Mercedes readjusted. Their first classified finish came at Imola, and slowly but surely, improvements started taking form.
The Bahrain Breakthrough
The turning point came at the Bahrain finale when the #61 team, led by Martin Berry, Lin Hodenius, and Maxime Martin, secured a remarkable second-place finish. A thrilling chase saw them miss the win by less than a second, offering hope for the future.
“What makes me optimistic looking into the future is that we are steadily getting better,” Wendl expressed after their podium finish.
Charting the Course Ahead
The 2026 season is on the horizon, and Mercedes has set its sights high, particularly with rivals like Porsche clinching back-to-back LMGT3 titles. “We are here to win races,” Wendl stated plainly.
The upcoming season will see a strong recalibration, including new driver line-ups that may elevate the team's performance. Silver-rated Hodenius will team with WEC debutant Johannes Zelger and returning Iron Lynx driver Matteo Cressoni in a bid to strengthen their competitive edge.
Conclusion: The Road Forward
As Mercedes prepares to turn the page on its debut season in WEC, it's more than just about securing a trophy; it's about cultivating a culture of excellence, resilience, and learning. “We had some learnings to take,” Wendl concluded, illustrating that every challenge faced becomes a stepping stone toward their ambitions of championship glory.
With this new spirit and lineup, the 2026 season promises to be a thrilling ride for Mercedes-AMG in the world of endurance racing—or as I'd like to say, let's fasten our seatbelts and enjoy the race ahead!
Source reference: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/dnfs-bahrain-podium-inside-mercedes-175219175.html
