Iron Lynx announces driver lineup for 2026 FIA WEC season

Coming off a strong performance in the 2025 finale and a bold progression throughout the year with its new Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 machinery, Iron Lynx is delighted to step into the new season by announcing its driver lineup for the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship.

After coming close to victory with a spectacular finish at Bahrain International Circuit, the team experienced a positive postseason test at the Middle Eastern venue as it quickly switched to preparation mode for the season ahead.

Overall, the opening year in FIA WEC for the Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 race cars saw the team make constant progress despite early challenges and develop the all-conquering German machines for the world's highest-profile endurance competition. The 2026 cars will use numbers 61 and 79.

Martin Berry will return to the #61 car for his second season with the team. The Australian claimed four pole positions and two podium finishes in the team's European Le Mans Series campaign, before capping off the season with second place in the 8-hour FIA WEC finale. With his impressive 2025 run, Berry has risen to the ranks as one of the world's most competitive Bronze-rated drivers.

Maxime Martin will also carry on his role as a Mercedes-AMG Performance Driver. The Belgian has been a driving force behind the team's progress, delivering a thrilling performance to cap off the year.

One of the most successful Silver-rated drivers in the sport, Rui Andrade will be joining the team's roster, and will compete for the first time with the Mercedes-AMG LMGT3. Among his accolades, the 26-year-old from Angola won the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship in LMP2 and the 2025 European Le Mans Series in LMGT3.

The #79 car will feature Italian Johannes Zelger as the Bronze-rated driver. Hailing from Verona, Zelger has a solid GT experience. He started with the Carrera Cup Italia series, progressing up to the Asian Le Mans Series in 2025. Taking his first steps in the Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 in Bahrain, his potential and progress lap after lap left the team thoroughly impressed.

Iron Lynx stalwart Matteo Cressoni will make his FIA WEC return after getting back on track in testing at Bahrain. The Italian, a former F3 Champion, has a wealth of FIA WEC experience and made his first start in the series in 2014. Dutchman Lin Hodenius will also be returning to the Iron Lynx ranks after his first season in GT racing, where he established himself as a highly promising and professional prospect.

The 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship season will kick-off with the Qatar Prologue on March 22nd/23rd. 

Andrea Piccini – Team Principal & CEO

"We are delighted to get to work again ahead of the 2026 season and to introduce our full driver lineup. We are happy to welcome Johannes to our team. His performance in the Bahrain rookie test was impressive, and despite not having a lot of mileage with the car, he showed real potential. Having Matteo back will make a great difference, because his speed and professionalism need no introduction, and we know what a true team player he is. In addition, we will continue to rely on Lin. We have believed in him since the very beginning, and we are sure he will help us make a step in 2026 as he assume a leadership role. It will be a challenge, but he will be able to count on the support of Matteo and Maxime.”

"Martin is returning for his second year, and it’s great news considering how quickly he became a top competitor in the series and a pillar for the team. On the other hand, we are delighted to have Rui. He has achieved so much in his career so far, and we look forward to working together and trying to increase our roll of honour. Last but not least, Maxime has been key for our operation in 2025, and we expect him to continue for next year. I don't need to say how much consideration I have for him. I'm looking forward to working together again."

Stefan Wendl, Head of Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing

"We are delighted to be entering our second FIA WEC season with Iron Lynx. 2025 was challenging, but we made steady progress and were rewarded with a strong second place in Bahrain which was an impressive proof of the hard work put in by the entire team. We can build on that. My thanks go to all the drivers and the whole team, who gave their all in every race. In Iron Lynx, we have partners at our side in WEC who share our passion for motorsport. This was clearly evident throughout the season. In 2026, we will do everything we can to fight for victories together."

Martin Berry, Driver car #61

"Really looking forward to being back with Iron Lynx in 2026. Our Bahrain podium showed we have the pace to fight at the front, and that's exactly what we're coming back to do - fight for the championship. Great to have Rui joining Maxime and me. We built a solid foundation in 2025, now it's about taking the next step."

Rui Andrade, Driver car #61

"I’m very excited to embark on a new journey with Iron Lynx! I’ve competed against them for many years on track and have always respected their professionalism and performance, and I am very happy to finally be racing alongside them. It’s always an honour to race in WEC and at the 24 hours of Le Mans, and to do so with such a great team behind me is a privilege. I can’t wait to get next year started!"

Maxime Martin, Driver car #61

"I'm excited about 2026. The 2025 season has been a challenging one with a new car for the championship and a new manufacturer for me and the team. It was tough, but it all came together with a great ending and P2 in Bahrain. We really improved all season, and it got better and better. I'm really looking forward to being back with Iron Lynx to continue the work we have started and to be able to fight for podiums and be in the game for the championship"

Johannes Zelger, Driver car #79

"Honestly, I’m quite astonished thinking that I began my racing career only four years ago in 2021, and it’s incredible to be about to begin my first season in the world's top endurance championship. I really can’t wait to jump in the car in Qatar! The decision to commit to the team and the project was very easy to take: the vibes were great straight away. My goal is to grow step by step with the help of my teammates Matteo and Lin and to improve the pace to reach some good results as the season progresses."

Matteo Cressoni, Driver car#79

"I'm very happy to continue in the family. I have been competing with Iron Lynx since the very beginning, but it will also be a new challenge with new teammates. I'm happy to partner with Johannes. I know him since his very first steps in racing, and we are great friends, plus he's quick and really promising. I'm looking forward to racing with Lin, who's a young, fast and reliable driver. We have everything we need to make steady progress, and we hope to deliver some good surprises throughout the year!"

Lin Hodenius, Driver car #79

"Happy to race with Iron Lynx again for the 2026 season. It was an interesting year in 2025, and I think it went quite well, with many nice moments and a team that is great to work with. It was tough, but it was also the first year for the Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 in FIA WEC. I think we will be quite up to pace for the 2026 season. Let's see what we will be able to achieve together.”