After Mercedes-Benz announced its entry into Formula E at the expense of DTM, Porsche followed in its footsteps with a similar announcement. This confirms the abandonment, this year, of Porsche in the LMP1 category at the WEC (World Endurance Championship). Both Mercedes-Benz and Porsche will enter Formula E in 2019.
The decision means the premature end of the Porsche 919 Hybrid's career. The prototype, debuted in 2014, has won four championships in its curriculum, two for manufacturers and two for drivers, in the 2015 and 2016 seasons. And the odds are strong that it will repeat the feat this year, leading both championships.
This decision by Porsche is part of a broader program – Porsche Strategy 2025 -, which will see the German brand invest heavily in electric vehicles, starting with the Mission E in 2020.
Michael Steiner, member of the Executive Board for Research and Development at Porsche AG.Entering Formula E and achieving success in this category is the logical result of our Mission E. The increasing freedom for in-house technological development makes Formula E attractive to us. [...] For us, Formula E is the ultimate competitive environment to drive the development of high-performance vehicles in areas such as environmental protection, efficiency and sustainability.
The end of LMP1 does not mean the abandonment of WEC. In 2018, Porsche will intensify its presence in the GT category, with the 911 RSR, distributing the structure allocated to the LMP1, not only in the WEC but also in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar championship in the USA.
Toyota and WEC react
Porsche's departure leaves Toyota as the only participant in the LMP1 class. The Japanese brand had committed to staying in the discipline until the end of 2019, but in light of these new developments, it is reconsidering its original plans.
It was Toyota's president, Akio Toyoda, who came forward with the first statements about the departure of the German rival.
Akio Toyoda, President of ToyotaIt was unfortunate when I heard that Porsche had decided to drop the LMP1 WEC category. I feel very sad and disappointed that we can no longer put our technologies against this company on the same battleground next year.
The ACO (Automobile Club de l’Ouest), which organizes the 24 Hours of Le Mans, has also spoken out, lamenting Porsche's “hasty departure” and “abrupt decision” in the LMP1 category.
Similar statements have been made by the WEC organization, which insists its status is not threatened. In 2018, there will continue to be a world championship for prototype drivers - which includes the LMP1 and LMP2 classes -, GT drivers and for manufacturers.