Mercedes-AMG Guns for a Three-Peat at Daytona
The excitement at Daytona International Speedway is already electric, and we’re still over a year out from the 2026 Rolex 24. For Mercedes-AMG, this race isn’t just the kickoff to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. It’s a battleground where they plan to cement a dynasty. After snagging the IMSA championship in both 2024 and 2025, the mission is simple: secure the hat-trick. It’s a tall order, but the brand from Affalterbach is coming locked and loaded.
When the green flag drops on January 24, 2026, Mercedes will unleash a five-car assault on the GTD PRO and GTD classes. This isn’t just about showing up. It’s about domination. They’re banking on the raw power and proven reliability of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 to conquer the high banks of Daytona one more time.
Assembling the Mercedes-AMG Dream Team
You don’t go for a third straight title without bringing your best. Mercedes-AMG’s customer racing program is stacking the deck with an incredible mix of seasoned veterans and hungry young guns. A total of four teams will field the five cars, and the driver roster reads like a who’s who of endurance racing.
Just look at the names: Indy Dontje, Philip Ellis, Maro Engel, Jules Gounon, and Russell Ward. All five of them have already felt the thrill of hoisting that coveted Rolex watch. They know what it takes to survive 24 grueling hours on this unforgiving track. Engel himself put it perfectly: “Daytona is one of the most difficult and exciting races on the calendar… the goal remains the same: we want to fight for victory.” That’s the mindset you need to win here.
But it’s not all about the old guard. Keep your eyes on 19-year-old Lin Hodenius, who’s making his Daytona debut with Lone Star Racing. This kid is jumping headfirst into one of the biggest races in the world. “An endurance race like this is an enormous physical and mental challenge,” he said, ready to prove he belongs on this stage. It’s this blend of experience and raw ambition that makes the Mercedes lineup so dangerous.
Navigating the Gauntlet of Daytona
Winning at Daytona is about more than just speed. It’s a 24-hour chess match played at over 180 mph. Jules Gounon, a 2023 winner, knows the secret sauce: “The key will be to get the car through the first 23 hours without contact or incidents. Experience shows that a lot happens in the last hour… and that’s often when the chances of victory open up.”
The teams 75 Express, Winward Racing, Lone Star Racing, and Bartone Bros with GetSpeed are all proven contenders. Winward Racing is even stepping up its game, fielding two cars for the first time. Philip Ellis of Winward is feeling the pressure but is ready for it. “I believe that we are considered the ones to beat,” he admitted. That’s a heavy crown to wear, but it’s one they’ve earned.
Adding another layer of drama, a new Michelin tire is being introduced for the 2026 season. It’s a curveball that every team will have to adapt to, and fast. The “Roar Before The Rolex 24” test week will be absolutely critical for dialing in the setups. But for superstars like Engel, Gounon, and Luca Stolz, a scheduling clash with the 24-hour race in Dubai means they’ll miss the test. These guys will be pulling double duty, racing two of the world’s toughest endurance events on back-to-back weekends. It’s an ironman feat that shows just how dedicated these drivers are.
The Quest for a Mercedes Hat-Trick
Stefan Wendl, the Head of Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing, isn’t mincing words. “Our goal is clear: we want to fight for victory again… The chance of a hat-trick gives us additional motivation.” That’s the kind of confidence that ripples through a program. From the engineers in Germany to the pit crews on the ground in Florida, everyone is laser-focused on one thing: a third consecutive IMSA championship.
The Rolex 24 at Daytona is more than a race; it’s a test of will, a brutal marathon of man and machine against the clock. When those five Mercedes-AMG GT3s roll onto the grid, they’ll be carrying the weight of expectation. But in the world of motorsport, pressure is a privilege. For Mercedes, the mission is set, the teams are ready, and the hunt for a historic third title is on.
