After a two-year hiatus, Vanwall is working on a comprehensively redesigned hypercar and is aiming first for the ALMS and then a return to the WEC.
Vanwall is working on a return to the World Endurance Championship (WEC). For two years, the company has been fine-tuning its in-house LMH prototype after the project was temporarily halted after just one season in the WEC. Now, the traditional British brand, whose race car is managed by ByKolles, appears to be on the verge of a restart.
The Austrian team has used the past two years to address the problem areas of the Vandervell 680 LMH used in 2023. Not only has the powertrain been completely redesigned, but Vanwall has also said goodbye to the 4.5-liter Gibson V8, which caused plenty of trouble in its debut season. Instead, a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V8 from Pipo is now being used, identical to the engine in the Glickenhaus SCG 007. In addition to the new engine base, the Vandervell 680 received a comprehensive upgrade in key areas such as aerodynamics and mechanics. Particular attention was paid to optimized air intakes and improved airflow around the bodywork. The radiator, intercooler, and exhaust system have also been retuned to take full advantage of the Pipo engine’s increased power.
The ACO’s decision to allow LMH and LMDh vehicles to compete in the Asian Le Mans Series (ALMS) is also providing a boost. Brands that are not currently represented in the WEC will thus have new opportunities to compete and can once again race their prototypes on a regular basis.
Vanwall officially announced on Thursday evening that it intends to compete in the 2026-2027 ALMS season. The series is intended to offer private teams and bronze drivers greater access to hypercar equipment. In addition, the brand clearly stated its goal of returning to the WEC in 2027, subject to an invitation from the ACO and FIA. “Careful performance analysis of our first WEC season has clearly shown where improvements are needed. I am convinced that the measures taken following the technical review and the latest modifications will lead to significant progress on the track,” says team boss Colin Kolles.
“We have had very constructive discussions with the WEC and ACO about a return in 2027. As always, however, participation depends on the team receiving an invitation. Our support for the new Hypercar class of the ALMS 2026 is a clear sign of our intention and long-term commitment.”
Vanwall has only competed in the 2023 WEC season so far. Its best result was eighth place in the Hypercar class and 30th place overall at the season opener in Sebring. While Esteban Guerrieri drove the entire year, five drivers took turns in the remaining two seats.
