Neck injury rules Lynn out of Le Mans

Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA has announced that Alex Lynn will miss the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans, and will be replaced by Louis Delétraz in the No. 12 Cadillac V-Series.R.

Lynn, last year’s pole winner at Le Mans and one-third of the trio that gave Cadillac its first WEC Hypercar victory in São Paulo, has already missed the first two rounds of the WEC season as he awaits a planned operation on a neck injury that he has been nursing since late 2024. But due to scheduling challenges surrounding the procedure, Lynn’s surgery has now been rescheduled to take place in June, followed by a recovery period.

In his place, reigning LMP2 Pro/Am class winner Delètraz will step out of the No. 99 AO by TF ORECA 07-Gibson and into the No. 12 JOTA Cadillac alongside Will Stevens and Norman Nato. Delétraz made his first start for JOTA earlier this month in the 6 Hours of Spa, and was already due to join the team for an upcoming test at Silverstone Circuit this week.

“It’s obviously hugely disappointing not to be racing at Le Mans and to miss the Silverstone test with the team, but getting this procedure completed and fully recovering has to be the priority,” Lynn said. “The timing hasn’t worked out as originally planned due to scheduling difficulties around the surgery, but we now have a clear path forward. I’ll be supporting the team from home and I wish Louis, the No. 12 crew and everyone at Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA the very best for Le Mans.”

Sam Hignett, director and co-founder of Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA, added: “Our priority is ensuring Alex can complete his surgery, make a full recovery and return to full fitness as soon as possible. Naturally, it’s disappointing that he won’t be with us for Le Mans, but we fully support him in taking the time needed to complete his surgery and rehabilitation properly. We’re pleased to have Louis stepping into the car for the test and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He already knows the team well and has been part of our preparations, so we’re confident he’ll do a great job alongside the rest of the crew.”

Meanwhile, AO Racing has confirmed that James Allen will replace Delétraz in the No. 99 AO by TF LMP2 Pro/Am entry, alongside reigning class winners PJ Hyett and Dane Cameron. Allen is a two-time LMP2 Pro/Am class winner with Algarve Pro Racing, and returns to Le Mans after a year away from the event.

“I’m really excited to be joining AO Racing for the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans,” said Allen. “AO have proven to be an exceptional team during their time in LMP2 and the results they have achieved in such a short time in the category speak for themselves. I’m looking forward to working with Dane, PJ and everyone at the team with the goal of repeating their success at Le Mans from last year!”

Le Mans will also mark the debut of AO Racing’s newest character, Rockie the Pegasus – who’ll join Rexy, Roxy, and Spike in the AO Racing multiverse after being revealed earlier today.