Heinrich lands Porsche Penske Motorsport IMSA GTP ride for 2027

Porsche factory driver Laurin Heinrich will become a full-time driver for Porsche Penske Motorsport in IMSA GTP next year.

The 24-year-old, who is currently juggling roles with Penske at the Endurance Cup rounds and the Sprint races with JDC-Miller in IMSA, will contest all rounds of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship aboard a factory 963 next season.

Notably, this announcement essentially confirms that Porsche Penske Motorsport will return to GTP in 2027, amid speculation that the brand is working on a return to the FIA WEC’s Hypercar class.

The announcement of Heinrich's promotion also confirmed that Laurens Vanthoor will swap roles with him next season, competing in IMSA with Porsche Penske Motorsport as a third driver in the Michelin Endurance Cup.

This opens the door for the Belgian to pursue drives in the FIA WEC and make a return to Le Mans in Hypercar, should Porsche forgo a return to the WEC.

“I am incredibly proud to announce that my journey with Porsche Motorsport will continue into 2027,” Vanthoor, who has been a Porsche driver since 2017, said. “It’s been an unbelievable ride so far, and I’m honored to remain part of the Porsche Penske Motorsport team in IMSA.

“For 2027, I’ll be taking on a new role as the third driver for the endurance rounds. This change will allow me to focus on other dreams I still have left to achieve in my career.

“We’ve built an incredible list of victories together, and the goal is to add a few more 'big ones' to that tally next year. I’m also thrilled to see Laurin promoted to a full-time seat with PPM. I’ve rated Laurin highly since the day we met, and he’s earned this.

“Thank you, Porsche, for the continued trust. Let’s see what the future brings!