The last lap of the Porsche 963

It’s never easy to say goodbye to a car that still feels at the peak of its power. With Porsche’s announcement that it will withdraw from the FIA World Endurance Championship at the end of 2025, a pivotal era in endurance racing draws to a close. One defined by hybrid torque, carbon fibre precision, and relentless competitive spirit.

The Porsche 963 was never merely a comeback; it was a declaration. It reconnected Porsche’s racing soul with its storied past — from the 956/962 era to the legendary 919 Hybrid. In a landscape of evolving regulations and fierce rivals, the 963 stood for engineering integrity, durability, and performance under pressure.

Over just a few seasons, it became a modern endurance icon — sweeping podiums, claiming victories, and pushing the limits of LMDh design. As it prepares for its final rounds in WEC, it leaves behind more than trophies: it leaves a legacy that endurance racing still thrives at the intersection of technology, discipline, and heart.

WEC Campaign: Rise, Victories & Titles

2024 – Breakthrough Season

The 2024 WEC season marked the moment the 963 reached maturity. It began with a statement at the Qatar 1812 km — Porsche’s first win since the 919 Hybrid era. The #6 Porsche 963 driven by Kévin Estre, André Lotterer, and Laurens Vanthoor crossed the line first, leading a historic Porsche 1-2-3 sweep with customer teams Hertz Team JOTA and Proton Competition.

Later that season, the #6 again triumphed at the 6 Hours of Fuji, a decisive win that placed Porsche back in championship contention. Throughout the campaign — from Imola to Spa, São Paulo to Bahrain — the factory entries delivered consistent podiums, while JOTA and Proton secured valuable points for the marque.

• Drivers’ World Championship 2024: Kévin Estre, André Lotterer, and Laurens Vanthoor
• Manufacturers’ Title: 2nd place overall, narrowly behind Ferrari
• Race Wins: Qatar 1812 km (1-2-3 finish) · Fuji 6 Hours · Spa 6 Hours (chaotic rain victory)

2025 – The Final Push

The farewell season carried both emotion and precision. At Lone Star Le Mans (Austin), the #6 car — Estre, Vanthoor, and Matt Campbell — took a commanding win, proving Porsche’s relentless evolution.

Then came Le Mans 2025, a 24-hour epic that embodied everything the 963 stood for: discipline, efficiency, and heart. After 387 laps, the #6 Porsche finished second overall, only 14 seconds behind Ferrari’s 499P — one of the closest finishes in modern WEC history.

Through Fuji and Bahrain, Porsche stayed in podium contention, ending its WEC journey as a genuine title contender — a program that closed not in struggle but in strength.

The People Behind the Success

Porsche Penske Motorsport built its success on unity and engineering discipline. With operations split between Mannheim and Mooresville, it embodied both German precision and American racing intuition.

Its driver trio — Kévin Estre, André Lotterer, and Laurens Vanthoor — became icons of Porsche’s Hypercar era, combining method, speed, and respect. Supporting them, Matt Campbell, Michael Christensen, and Frédéric Makowiecki delivered consistency and pace across endurance marathons.

Meanwhile, Hertz Team JOTA and Proton Competition carried Porsche’s colours as customer squads, proving the 963’s competitiveness extended beyond factory walls. Their performances — including a second place at Qatar 2024 — cemented Porsche’s depth on the grid.

Legacy & Farewell

As Porsche prepares to conclude its WEC program, the Porsche 963 stands as proof that the hybrid LMDh platform can deliver drama, emotion, and craftsmanship. It re-established the Weissach marque at the heart of endurance racing, claiming world titles, race victories, and Le Mans glory.

When the lights go out in Bahrain, the 963 will not fade quietly — it will bow out as a champion. Its legacy will continue through IMSA campaigns, privateer entries, and the collectors who preserve its story in scale.