BMW M Motorsport 2025: New Drivers, Prototype Strategy, and Season Outlook

BMW M Motorsport announces 22 drivers for 2025, including Magnussen, van der Linde, and de Wilde. Explore key changes and racing goals.

BMW M Motorsport has officially revealed its factory driver line-up for the 2025 season. The team includes 22 drivers from 12 countries, featuring three new faces — Kevin Magnussen, Kelvin van der Linde, and Ugo de Wilde. With ages ranging from 22 to 56, the squad represents a vibrant mix of experience and emerging talent.

The drivers will compete globally with the BMW M Hybrid V8 and the updated BMW M4 GT3 EVO in series such as the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. One of the major developments for 2025 is the creation of an eight-driver group focused solely on the LMDh prototype program. This select team includes Kevin Magnussen, Robin Frijns, Raffaele Marciello, René Rast, Philipp Eng, Sheldon van der Linde, Dries Vanthoor, and Marco Wittmann.

Magnussen, a former Formula 1 driver, expressed excitement about joining BMW’s endurance racing efforts: “Representing BMW in some of the world’s most iconic races is a privilege. I’m looking forward to this new chapter in one of the most advanced endurance racing programs.”

Kelvin van der Linde, a proven force in ADAC GT Masters and DTM, and Belgium’s Ugo de Wilde, who impressed at the 24H Spa, also make their factory debut with BMW. De Wilde, at just 22, is the youngest in the lineup.

BMW’s 2024 season was packed with achievements: 215 race wins and over a million kilometers driven across three race cars. Significant progress was made with the BMW M Hybrid V8 in both IMSA and FIA WEC, while the BMW M4 GT3 scored numerous titles and victories globally. Challenges, including non-top-10 finishes in key endurance races, highlighted areas for strategic reshaping.

Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, emphasized the balance in the team: “We’re building for the future. Young talents like Ugo de Wilde bring fresh energy alongside our seasoned pros. Expectations are high, and we’re prepared to meet them.”

With the departure of drivers such as Maxime Martin, Bruno Spengler, and Nick Yelloly, a new chapter begins for BMW in endurance racing — and all signs point to an exciting 2025 season ahead.

Source: bmwgroup.com