Great success for Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG: The two Porsche 963s fielded by Porsche Penske Motorsport celebrated a one-two victory in the 12 Hours of Sebring, repeating last year's result. For the sports car manufacturer from Stuttgart, it was the 20th overall victory at the endurance classic.

At a glance

Nasr/Andlauer/Heinrich win at Sebring ahead of Estre/Vanthoor/Campbell
Both works Porsche 963s in Mobil 1 design at the 12-hour classic
One-two success for the Porsche 911 GT3 R in the GTD-Pro class
Wright Motorsports finishes on the GTD podium with the nine-eleven

Daytona winners Felipe Nasr, Julien Andlauer and Laurin Heinrich prevailed in a thrilling duel in Florida against their brand colleagues Kévin Estre, Laurens Vanthoor and Matt Campbell. In the GTD-Pro class, the customer teams Manthey and AO Racing finished first and second with the 911 GT3 R. The last time Porsche achieved such a one-two in two IMSA classes was in 2008.

Thrilling race at Sebring: 75 minutes after the start of the second round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season, the No. 6 Porsche 963 took the lead for the first time. A little later, the sister car took command and led the field of 55 cars over half the race distance.

After the last of a total of nine safety car phases, a thrilling sprint developed over the final 16 minutes: Last year's winner Felipe Nasr from Brazil prevailed over Frenchman Kévin Estre, the 2024 World Endurance Champion. As in the previous year, the No. 7 car of the works team was able to win the two races at the season opener at Daytona and Sebring. With the second victory of the year, Porsche further extended its lead in the overall standings. The sports car manufacturer is also at the top of the Michelin Endurance Cup, which comprises the five longest races of the year.

Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Porsche Motorsport: "With the Porsche 963, we had the right packages in both the top GTP class and the 911 GT3 R in the GT top category. We were fast, the drivers were confident and all the teams worked optimally – we couldn't have wished for better. Congratulations to our customer teams as well as to the factory team and all partners. We are delighted with the successful start to the season and these great successes on the occasion of Porsche Motorsport's 75th anniversary."

"With our triumphs at Daytona and Sebring, we are the winners of the '36 Hours of Florida' as we were last year – a big compliment to the team," explains Urs Kuratle, Vice President Factory Motorsport LMDh. "Our team did a great job, especially in preparation, and was in an excellent position here at Sebring from the very first practice session. From simulation to test to race: everything was perfect. I'm proud of the performance of everyone who contributed to this success!"

Customer Teams

At the 12 Hours of Sebring, Porsche once again underlined its strength in customer racing. In the top GTP class, JDC-Miller MotorSports delivered a strong performance with the Porsche 963: At times, the number 5 car was close to the podium places. In the cooler temperatures during the night, the US customer team was no longer able to keep up with the pace of the front runners and finished the race in ninth place overall.

In the GTD-Pro class, the Porsche 911 GT3 R, which has been significantly improved for the 2026 season, achieved a one-two result. The German customer team Manthey celebrated its first IMSA victory with the up to 416 kW (565 hp) "Grello" nine-eleven. Close behind was the identical racing car of the American team AO Racing. In the GTD class, Wright Motorsports finished on the podium with the 911 GT3 R at the very last second.

Drivers' comments on the race

Laurin Heinrich (Porsche 963 #7): "To have won Sebring after Daytona is a unique experience. A one-two for Porsche and Penske – that's incredible. Our team has once again clearly shown how strong it is. We didn't make any mistakes and won. It's a perfect day for me."

Kévin Estre (Porsche 963 #6): "After a few hours, it was clear that the race victory would be decided between our Porsche and the 963 of our brand colleagues. Both cars did a lot of work in the lead, but in the end it was just not enough for us – it's a shame."

Thomas Preining (Porsche 911 GT3 R #911): "I am impressed by how quickly we have found our way to success as a new team in IMSA. The progress of our team is enormous. Thanks to everyone who has supported us on the path so far. It was a difficult and strategic race today. The last two hours went like in the DTM: full throttle and with all determination into the duels."

Nick Tandy (Porsche 911 GT3 R #77): "A great race. Our Porsche drove really well and the team did a great job. We were a bit unlucky with a caution period, but we also made the best of this situation by choosing a courageous strategy and being rewarded. Congratulations to the Manthey team on the victory. We are happy to take the points for the podium place and are happy about the strong result. After the disappointment at Daytona, it feels really good."