aubert and Juncadella move up from Trajectory program to Genesis Hypercar for WEC 2026

Genesis Magma Racing has officially confirmed the signings of Mathys Jaubert and Daniel Juncadella to its lineup for the 2026 season of the FIA World Endurance Championship. The drivers join André Lotterer and Luis Felipe "Pipo" Derani as the first four confirmed to drive the GMR-001 Hypercar for manufacturer Genesis's debut in the top category of endurance racing. The decision by the team led by Cyril Abiteboul comes after both drivers completed a successful season in the European Le Mans Series as part of Genesis's Trajectory development program. Jaubert and Juncadella have achieved three wins in the ELMS 2025, including their most recent victory last weekend at Silverstone, where they hold second place in the championship, six points behind the leader with one round remaining.

Photo By Genesis

Trajectory Program fulfills its initial objective

The promotion of both drivers confirms the effectiveness of the Trajectory program that Genesis implemented as a pathway to its WEC project. Jaubert, 20, and Juncadella, 34, are part of the IDEC Sport team that competes with Genesis support in the LMP2 category of the ELMS alongside Jamie Chadwick. "The goal of the Trajectory program was always to support drivers and give them the opportunity to prove they could advance to our WEC lineup," explained Cyril Abiteboul, the team principal. "That we are already in a position to incorporate Mathys and Dani for 2026 is a great credit to them." The progress of both drivers has been rapid since their prototype debut. Their first victory came at the opening ELMS race of the season in Barcelona, followed by an overall result at Le Castellet. Jaubert also participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2025, where he set the fastest race lap for the #18 car in the LMP2 class.

Photo By Genesis

Previous WEC experience for Juncadella

For Juncadella, the step up to Hypercar constitutes a natural progression within the WEC, a championship where he has competed for the past two seasons in the LMGT3 class. The driver currently holds third position in that category with one win and one podium in the 2025 season. "It has been my goal for the last few years to move up to the Hypercar class," commented Juncadella. "I've raced the last two years in WEC in the LMGT3 class, so it fits well to progress in a championship I know very well. It's perfect to do it with Genesis Magma Racing, to start from scratch with a brand that I hope will be in the championship for many years." Jaubert expressed his satisfaction with the new challenge: "I am very happy to join the Genesis Magma Racing WEC lineup. For me, it's a big step in my career and an opportunity to measure myself against the best in the world."

First tests with the GMR-001

Both drivers will have their first experience at the wheel of the GMR-001 in the upcoming test sessions scheduled for the end of 2025. These sessions will allow them to familiarize themselves with the Hypercar and begin working with Lotterer and Derani on the car's development before the start of the season. Lotterer joins the project after eight years with Porsche, while Derani accepted the offer motivated by the opportunity to participate from the beginning in this new project. Both drivers have already begun technical development work on the GMR-001 during 2025.

Situation of Jamie Chadwick

Jamie Chadwick remains linked to the Genesis Magma Racing Trajectory program, although her future for 2026 has not yet been officially defined. Chadwick continues as part of the trio in ELMS alongside Jaubert and Juncadella. According to the team, full details regarding Chadwick's plans for 2026 will be announced soon. WEC regulations require three drivers per car for longer races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which could open opportunities for the driver in those specific events.

Photo By Genesis

Logan Sargeant, who initially formed part of the Trajectory program, is no longer with Genesis Magma Racing after his departure prior to these lineup announcements. Gabriele Tarquini, sporting director of Genesis, explained the balance that the new additions bring: "They have done a very good job all season, constantly improving and adapting to the challenges of the series. Their relative lack of experience in prototype racing will be balanced by the other four pilots in our lineup."