Mercedes-AMG and Iron Lynx reunite for Le Mans 2025 with LMGT3 homage

Mercedes-AMG returns to Le Mans after 26 years with Iron Lynx, fielding LMGT3 cars styled after the 1989 Sauber-Mercedes C9 in the FIA WEC race.

After a 26-year absence, Mercedes-AMG is returning to the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe, teaming up with endurance specialists Iron Lynx. In June 2025, three LMGT3-class cars will line up at Le Mans, proudly bearing the iconic silver livery inspired by the legendary Sauber-Mercedes C9 — a clear tribute to the brand’s golden moment in 1989.

That year, car number 63 claimed victory in a memorable one-two finish. Among its drivers was Jochen Mass, a figure etched into motorsport history. His recent passing casts a poignant shadow over this return, as the number 63 car once again takes its place on the grid, not just in form but in spirit.

All three entries come from the Iron Lynx team, each bringing its own blend of experience and ambition. Car 60 will be driven by Italian trio Matteo Cairoli, Matteo Cressoni and Claudio Schiavoni — all seasoned Le Mans competitors. Cairoli, notably, is preparing for his ninth consecutive start at the 24-hour classic.

In 61, Australia’s Martin Berry makes his debut alongside 18-year-old Lin Hodenius from the Netherlands — the youngest driver on the grid — and Belgian veteran Maxime Martin, who marks his tenth Le Mans outing. Martin’s 2020 class win in GTE Pro with Aston Martin remains a career highlight.

63 features a family duo: Stephen and Brenton Grove of Australia, both making their Le Mans debut. Completing the crew is Germany’s Luca Stolz, returning to the race after a third-place finish in the LMGTE-Am class back in 2018. Together, they represent a blend of fresh energy and seasoned precision.

From a technical standpoint, the Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 cars meet FIA WEC’s LMGT3 specifications — approximately 600 horsepower, advanced aerodynamics, and features like ABS and traction control. Cars 60 and 61 are registered for the full WEC season, while 63 earned its place through the European Le Mans Series.

Iron Lynx itself has built a solid reputation since entering Le Mans in 2020. The team’s third-place finish in LMGTE-Am in 2021 laid the groundwork for this step into the LMGT3 spotlight, now joined by other major players in the class including Ferrari, Porsche, and Aston Martin.

As the race weekend approaches, questions loom large: how will the newcomers adapt to Le Mans’ notorious night stints? Will these mixed-experience line-ups find harmony on the track? Most intriguingly — can this Silver Arrows comeback evolve from nostalgia into a fresh chapter of motorsport triumph?

Source: mercedes-benz.com