Porsche Penske Elevates Heinrich for 2027 IMSA GTP as Vanthoor Shifts to Endurance Role

Overview

• Porsche Penske announced Wednesday a 2027 plan that puts Laurin Heinrich in a full‑season Porsche 963 and moves Laurens Vanthoor to an endurance‑only seat.
• The change effectively confirms a 2027 return for Porsche Penske in GTP, IMSA’s top prototype class.
• Vanthoor stays under Porsche contract, with multiple outlets reporting he is expected to be loaned to McLaren for a World Endurance Championship Hypercar drive.
• Heinrich earned the promotion after wins at the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the Twelve Hours of Sebring with Penske and a last‑lap Laguna Seca victory for JDC‑Miller, the first GTP win by a privateer this season.
• For the rest of 2026, Heinrich will race most IMSA rounds with JDC‑Miller, skip Watkins Glen due to a Spa 24 Hours clash, and rejoin Penske for Petit Le Mans.